MOVIES - Aug. 2, 1991

Film Notes: A film starring Gerard Depardieu as Christopher Columbus and directed by Ridley Scott (who was producer-director of “Thelma & Louise”) has been acquired for distribution in the U.S. and Canada by the Motion Picture Group of Paramount Pictures. Production starts this fall in Spain, the United Kingdom and the West Indies. . . . Actor Kiefer Sutherland has a new two-year deal to develop, executive produce and star in two pictures for 20th Century Fox. . . . The new movie comedy “Hot Shots!,” starring Charlie Sheen, had a hot midweek opening Wednesday, taking in $2 million in its first day in 1,819 theaters. . . . John Ritter has been set by Morgan Creek Productions to star in the action comedy “Stay Tuned,” which begins production this fall in Vancouver.