'Rings' to benefit WTC fund

Advance screening held Dec. 13 at Ziegfeld

By CHARLES LYONS

NEW YORK -- New Line Cinema will hold an advance screening of "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" Dec. 13 at the Ziegfield Theater to benefit the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund.

Much of the epic's cast will be on hand for a post-screening reception.

"New Yorkers and Americans have been so very generous in the wake of the Sept. 11 tragedy, and I am delighted that New Line has offered to host this exciting screening in support of the World Trade Center Relief Fund," Gov. George E. Pataki said. "I really look forward to seeing 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' with my family. My son Owen and I read this story together over the summer -- he for the first time, and me for the second. It is particularly fitting that proceeds from this screening of a story of good triumphing over evil will go to a fund that is designed to help those good people victimized by this evil attack on America."

Giving back

New Line toppers Robert Shaye and Michael Lynne added: "We were tremendously saddened by the events that took place in New York City and feel privileged to have this opportunity to give something back to the community where our company was founded. Gov. Pataki's special fund plays a vital role in the effort to both heal and rebuild New York. We consider the governor and his organization a true force of good in the city at this time, and we feel honored to be given the chance to let our film play a role in that effort."

The purpose of the World Trade Center Relief Fund is to assist the families and dependents of the victims of Sept. 11 as well as rescue and relief workers. After the monetary needs of the affected people have been met, consideration may be given to other related relief and recovery expenses.

Pic, which opens worldwide Dec. 19, stars Sean Astin, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Marton Csokas, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving and Elijah Wood.

The Peter Jackson-helmed pic was produced by Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Sanders, Fran Walsh and Jackson, from a script by Walsh, Philippa Boyens and Jackson. Shaye and Lynne are exec producers. Fine Line topper Mark Ordesky and Miramax's Bob and Harvey Weinstein also executive produced.