ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

MOVIES

Duking It Out Over the Holiday

There was a cat fight at the box office on the Fourth of July. Warner Bros.’ family comedy “Cats & Dogs” proved to have the sharper claws, grossing an estimated $9 million on its opening day and scratching its way ahead of the R-rated “Scary Movie 2,” which debuted to an unofficial estimate of about $8.6 million. “Cats” opened strongly despite three other family films in the market--”Dr. Dolittle 2,” “Shrek” and “Atlantis.” The “Scary Movie” sequel scored big, though greater enforcement of the R rating put a lid on its under-17 primary target audience. Industry insiders expect each film to take in $25 million to $30 million over the weekend, putting both over $40 million for the five-day holiday period.

Hold the Bacon, Please

“Babe” actor James Cromwell was among five animal-rights protesters arrested outside a Wendy’s fast food restaurant in Fairfax, Va. Police say Cromwell, 51, and three officials of the Norfolk, Va.-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals refused to leave after urging patrons to boycott the facility. He was released on his own recognizance after about five hours, a PETA spokesman said. “After ‘Babe,’ people recognized that pigs and other animals . . . are sensitive, gentle animals,” Cromwell said in a statement released by PETA. “It’s high time that big corporations like Wendy’s stopped treating these wonderful animals like meat machines.” A spokesman for the Ohio-based chain declined to comment.

TELEVISION

‘Sopranos’ Star Free on Bail

Robert Iler, the 16-year-old actor who plays mob boss Tony Soprano’s son on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” pleaded innocent and was released after posting $2,500 bail after an arraignment late Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court. Iler and three other youths were arrested early Wednesday for allegedly robbing two teens of $40 on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “I feel terribly embarrassed,” Iler said in a statement Thursday. “I never, ever would or did rob anybody in my life. I know that the events of the past two days have been extremely difficult for my family and friends, and for that I am deeply sorry.” Iler, who allegedly had a bag of marijuana and a water pipe in his pocket when he was arrested, was charged with two counts of second-degree robbery and one count of marijuana possession. He could face 15 years if convicted of the charges. Police said the oldest of the four teens, Michael Cournede, 19, approached the victims and ordered them to hand over their money. The other suspects were said to have threatened the victims if they did not comply. Iler’s lawyer, Steven Mintz, said his client was not aware of what his friends were doing. “My client didn’t threaten anybody, my client didn’t hear anybody threaten anybody, my client didn’t hear anyone ask for money,” Mintz said. “And he only learned what had happened much later when he was picked up.” The actor’s mother said it was the first time her son had been in trouble --”and it will be the last.”

Beautiful Day in the Cyberhood

Fred Rogers, the longtime host and creator of the children’s TV show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” has become pretty high-tech for someone who’s known for his low-tech trolley and puppets. He’s working on an interactive program for the PBS Web site, which will debut this summer, and hopes to create a series of children’s stories for www.misterrogers.org. “Technology in any form (from computers to atomic power) can be used for good or evil,” Rogers says in the August issue of ON magazine. “It all depends on the hearts and minds of those who use it.” The 73-year-old taped his final episodes of the show last year after 33 years on television.

POP/ROCK

Estefan Sued by Songwriter

An award-winning songwriter who has worked with pop singer Gloria Estefan is suing her husband, music producer Emilio Estefan Jr., for failing to promote his career and withholding royalties. Kike Santander, who won a Latin Grammy for “Mi Verdad” last year, has filed a complaint asking a Miami judge to let him out of his contract with Emilio Estefan. He also seeks unspecified damages and restitution. Frank Amadeo, president of Estefan Enterprises, called the lawsuit “a transparent attempt to strong-arm the Estefans into releasing Mr. Santander from his obligations.” Said the executive: “We are disheartened that Mr. Santander has chosen this course of action despite all of the assistance the Estefans have provided him.” Santander produced or co-produced albums such as Gloria Estefan’s “Abriendo Puertas” and Alejandro Fernandez’s “Me Estoy Enamorando,” according to the lawsuit.