Dennis Hopper says a new treatment for his prostate cancer "has great promise."
Sideshow: 76ers say: Snuff the sun
When the Philadelphia 76ers play the Phoenix Suns at 7 tonight, they will try to encourage their fans to block out the sun - literally. Main Line Health will conduct free melanoma screenings on the main concourse beginning at 6 p.m. and will distribute information on the dangers of excessive exposure to the sun. The Sixers will present Linda Stowell, regional vice president/east of the Associated Press, with the Sixers Pioneer Award, recognizing individuals who have dedicated their lives to bringing awareness to a health-related cause.
Hopper's hopeful
Prostate cancer couldn't keep Dennis Hopper away from the Breeders' Cup on Saturday. The 73-year-old actor and artist attended the race in support of the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the official charity of the race at Santa Anita Park in Southern California. It was revealed in October that Hopper was battling cancer, although he said over the weekend that it had been a nine-year struggle. He's started a new, experimental treatment at the University of Southern California that he says he hopes will help. "It has great promise," Hopper said. "Everything's good right now."
Opera - Act II
Deciding against playing it too safe, the New York City Opera launched its comeback from perilous times Saturday night by reviving an atonal opera that it premiered in 1993 - Hugo Weisgall's Esther. The work, based on the biblical story of the Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from annihilation, received good reviews and showed strength that began with a powerful English-language libretto by Charles Kondek.
Box office
Disney's A Christmas Carol, an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale starring Jim Carrey, brought in $31 million to open as the top film in U.S. and Canadian theaters last weekend. Michael Jackson's This Is It dropped to second with $14 million. The Men Who Stare at Goats, starring George Clooney, took third place, with The Fourth Kind and Paranormal Activity rounding out the top five. Noteworthy for bringing in $1.8 million on just 18 screens was Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, which opens here Friday.
Found Footage fest expands
The Found Footage Festival, which features a selection of odd footage from found VHS tapes, has been moved to a larger venue and will have a second showtime. Screenings, at 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday, will be at Connie's Ric Rac, 1132 S. Ninth St. Information: www.foundfootagefest.com.
Contact "SideShow" at sideshow@phillynews.com. This column contains information from Inquirer wire services.
