Brando film is halted

Cash problems have halted work on a pounds 16m film starring Marlon Brando (above), which is being shot in the Irish Republic.

Brando's involvement in Divine Rapture, which co-stars Debra Winger, Johnny Depp and John Hurt, moved him to contemplate taking up Irish citizenship. His great-grandfather was born in Dublin.

But the film's producers said in a statement yesterday: "With deep regret we have had to cease production of Divine Rapture. In spite of continuing assurances of financial backing from our backer, the funds have not been forthcoming."

The film, which began shooting the village of Ballycotton, Co Cork earlier this month, quickly ran into financial difficulties.