Banderas directs Griffiths

Never work with children or animals. Not that we're casting aspersions on Melanie, of course. But anyone who's been through the partner-driving lesson scenario will wish to add spouse to the list. Antonio's relishing the prospect of working with his missus though, on Crazy in Alabama which is to start filming in April. Banderas' directing debut will be based on a 1993 Mark Childress novel about an orphan called Peejoe who is raised by his eccentric aunt (Griffith). All this takes part in 1960s Alabama to the background of racial tension. Budget's about $15m and can go ahead now after the completion of The Mask of Zorro which Banderas has made with Anthony Hopkins.