MOVIES - Oct. 25, 1988

Jane Fonda’s ill-starred film version of Carlos Fuentes’ novel “Old Gringo” will now be released in the fall of 1989 rather than the previously (and widely) announced target date of this Christmas. A prepared statement released jointly by Fonda Films (the actress’ production company) and Columbia Pictures President Dawn Steel gave no particular reason for the delay, expressing instead “excitement” over what footage of “Old Gringo” they have seen thus far, adding: “Releasing the picture next fall will give us enough time to properly position and market a film of this epic scope.” The filming of Fuentes’ novel got off to a rocky start in January, when Gregory Peck was hired to replace Burt Lancaster in the film’s title role--a move that consequently inspired a $1.5 million breach-of-contract suit from Lancaster, who contends Columbia fired him when the studio encountered difficulty in insuring Lancaster.