MOVIESHanks Broadens Horizon: Tom Hanks, soaring mightily...

MOVIES

Hanks Broadens Horizon: Tom Hanks, soaring mightily with “Apollo 13” after his two-in-a-row Oscars for “Forrest Gump” and “Philadelphia,” has landed his next project. Thus far untitled, the movie is something he wrote, would star in and direct for Jonathan Demme’s production company. And it would mark Hanks’ debut as a director. The working titles are “Untitled 1964” or “That Thing You Do.” The movie’s plot line is being withheld like a top military secret but the story is reported to be about a rock ‘n’ roll band in the 1960s. The project would be a reprise for Hanks and Demme who last worked together on “Philadelphia.” The project does not yet belong to a studio but talks are being held with 20th Century Fox. Meanwhile, Geena Davis is “in discussions” with producer John Davis to make her directing debut on “Digging to China,” a spokeswoman said. The Davises are not related.

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Thanks, but No Thanks: Actor-comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who last December was turned down for membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences even though he was being mentioned as a best supporting actor nominee for Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers,” now has been invited in. Last year, Roddy McDowall, chair of the Actors Branch Executive Committee, wrote that he lacks “enough of the kind of roles that allow a performer to demonstrate the mastery of the craft.” But in a letter dated June 30, academy President Arthur Hiller said he was “delighted to advise” Dangerfield that the board of governors was extending the invitation. “Membership comprises those who have made significant contributions,” and upon acceptance Dangerfield would become a member of the Actors Branch. But Dangerfield says he will decline. Not only is he ticked off that “they didn’t even apologize,” the actor decided to put the matter to his fans on his web site in cyberspace. “And thousands [about 4,500] came back and said, ‘Who are they ?’ ” Only about 100 thought he should say yes.

TELEVISION

‘Chicago Hope’ Hires Surgeon: Actress Christine Lahti will join the cast of CBS’ medical drama “Chicago Hope” as a regular when the series returns for a second season this fall. Lahti, best known for roles in feature films such as “Swing Shift” (which won her the New York Film Critics Award and an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress) and “Running on Empty” (which drew the Los Angeles Film Critics Award), will play what’s described as a “smart, irreverent, life-affirming” cardiothoracic surgeon who joins the hospital staff. It’s her first regular series role. Lahti’s TV roles include the movies “No Place Like Home,” “Amerika” and “Crazy From the Heart.” Meanwhile Mandy Patinkin, a lead doctor on the show, is coming back, at least part time, despite reports that he was contemplating leaving to return to New York. A spokeswoman for the show, created by David E. Kelley, said that while “producers are leaving it open for him because he wants to spend more time on the East Coast with his family,” he will do “eight episodes for sure and more than likely more.

LEGAL FILE

Abdul Victimized: In Encino, thieves drove off with Paula Abdul’s Mercedes-Benz after she briefly left it running in front of a restaurant. Two men jumped in and took off when the singer went to get a valet parking ticket at Delmonico’s, police Sgt. Dan Mastro said. “It was certainly somewhat of a different, unusual car theft,” Mastro said. “She was extremely upset, as anyone would be,” he added. “We’re looking for that vehicle, just like we’d be looking for any other.”

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Bankruptcy: In New York, La Toya Jackson filed for protection from creditors under federal bankruptcy laws, claiming she had less than $50,000 and bills of between $500,000 and $1 million. Her husband-agent, Jack Gordon, said the cash crunch was caused by the owners of the Moulin Rouge club in Paris, who are trying to collect $650,000 from the pop singer for cutting short a six-month engagement two years ago. Gordon said the club owners had filed liens on everything in Jackson’s name, including royalties on her book “The La Toya Jackson Story” and her nude video for Playboy, as well as future performances. The Chapter 11 petition was filed Wednesday at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan, the court clerk’s office said Thursday. Jackson was in Madrid taping a television special and could not immediately be reached for comment. “It really wasn’t her fault,” Gordon said Thursday. “It was absolutely forced.”

QUICK TAKES

Cybill Shepherd’s cabaret act at the Hollywood Roosevelt Cinegrill, scheduled to run from Wednesday through Saturday, has been reduced to a two-night engagement, tonight and Saturday. Cinegrill manager J.D. Kessler said the singer-actress came down with “a serious case of laryngitis” and was advised by her physician not to perform until tonight. This evening’s two performances are sold out. . . . Four-year-old mariachi star Nidia Gracia, who performed at the Hollywood Bowl at last month’s Mariachi USA, has been added as a special guest performer at Sunday’s Fiesta Del Mariachi at the Orange County Fair’s Arlington Theater in Costa Mesa Sunday at 4 p.m.