French firm sues DEG, Carolco over pix rights

By VARIETY STAFF

A French company has sued De Laurentiis Entertainment Group Inc. and Carolco Pictures Inc. for allegedly selling rights to three films that had already been granted to others.

Parafrance Communication S.A. (along with parent company Paravision Intl. S.A.) claimed in a complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court that it learned of other claims to "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure,""The Producers" and "Darling" after it bought their rights as part of a $ 14.8 million purchase in 1990 of the De Laurentiis film library.

Carolco, which gained control of De Laurentiis after it filed for bankruptcy protection in 1988, allegedly guaranteed De Laurentiis' obligations under the agreement.

Parafrance says it subsequently heard from Brooksfilms about certain rights in "The Producers." The company also heard from Weintraub Entertainment Ltd. about a 1965 distribution agreement covering "Darling."

Parafrance also learned about agreements with Nelson Films Inc. relating to rights to "Bill & Ted," the suit said.

Parafrance wants at least $ 3 million in damages.