M*A*S*H DIRECTOR ROBERT ALTMAN DIES

Director Robert Altman, one of the brilliant satirists of American film, died in Los Angeles at the age of 81. Altman was behind the hugely popular anti-war comedy "M-A-S-H," which spawned a hit TV series, and critical successes such as "Gosford Park," "Nashville" and "The Player." Altman's production company said he died Monday night in a hospital. The cause of death has not been disclosed.