Julia Roberts is to star in a new HBO show "The Normal Heart."

    Glee creator Ryan Murphy is directing the film, which is set for broadcast on the US cable channel in 2014.

    The Oscar-winning actress will play the paraplegic* physician, Dr Emma Brookner, who treats patients in 1980s New York during the early Aids epidemic*.

    "We couldn't be more thrilled to bring this important film to HBO," said the network's Michael Lombardo.

    The film version has been adapted by Larry Kramer, who wrote the play and was an early advocate for Aids prevention and care.