Streep stars in ‘The Good House’

    Oscar winners Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro, who last appeared together on screen nearly 20 years ago in “Marvin’s Room,” will star in the film adaptation* of Ann Leary’s best-selling novel “The Good House,” its producers said on August 6.

    Streep, 64, will play New England realtor* Hildy Good.

    ‘Downton Abbey’ draws new men for season four

    It is hard to say who will grieve more for Matthew Crawley when the next season of the wildly popular television show “Downton Abbey” airs: his onscreen widow Lady Mary or his fans.

    At least the fans can rest assured. Several eligible bachelors* will swoop* in on the mourning Mary and her English estate in season four, producers and cast members said on August 6, offering U.S. critics a tease of what lies ahead.

    Zhang Ziyi’s new film to open

    Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi’s new chick flick* “My Lucky Star,” the prequel* to her 2009 success “Sophie’s Revenge,” will open in cinemas on September 17, domestic media reported on August 8.

    Reprising her role from “Sophie’s Revenge,” Zhang continues to portray Sophie, a pretty young woman who loves daydreaming as much as she loves drawing cartoons. With a new story, “My Lucky Star” brings Sophie more adventure.

    Swiss luxury shop denies racism towards Oprah

    The owner of a luxury goods shop in Zurich has denied that racism* was involved when Oprah Winfrey was discouraged from buying a 35,000 Swiss franc (US$38,100) handbag.

    The broadcaster said in two U.S. interviews that a sales assistant had refused to show her the crocodile handbag, saying it was “too expensive” and steering* her towards other, cheaper ones.

    Luxury shop Trois Pommes denied discriminating against Winfrey. The owner put the incident down to a language barrier.(SD-Agencies)