AceShowbiz -

Another magician saga is on the way to embrace U.S big screen. The Weinstein Co. is reported to have obtained all U.S distribution rights to "Death Defying Acts", a fictionalized biopic of famed magician Harry Houdini directed by Australian filmmaker Gillian Armstrong.

Source close to the movie revealed that the company is conjuring up some $5.5 million for the picture, which was originally made for less than $20 million. It is also said that co-head Harvey Weinstein will release the film by fall next year, several months after its planned unveiling at Cannes Film Festival next May.

An Australian-U.K production, "Acts" focuses on the passionate love relationship between Houdini and a psychic named Mary Mc Gregor whom he meets in Scotland. Currently in post-production, it features stellar cast consisting of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Guy Pearce, Timothy Spall, and Frankey Martyn with script written by Tony Grisoni and Brian Ward.