FISCHER FILM IN THE WORKS

Late chess legend BOBBY FISCHER's Cold War showdown with Russian player BORIS SPASSKY is to be documented in a new Hollywood movie. The American-born former world champion passed away earlier this month (18Jan08) at his home in Iceland, aged 64. Fischer, regarded by many as the greatest chess player of all time, made headlines after beating reigning champion Spassky in the tense battle in 1972. His achievements were described in the best-selling book Bobby Fischer Goes To War, and film studios Working Title and Universal are now planning to bring the story to the big screen. The Last King of Scotland director Kevin MACDonald will helm the movie, with production slated to begin once he finishes filming political thriller State Of Play, according to Variety. This isn't the first time Fischer's eccentricities have inspired moviemakers - Steven Zaillian's 1993 movie Searching For Bobby Fischer was inspired by the star, but he didn't feature as a character in the film.