MOVIES - Dec. 20, 1991

Bardot Backs Animals: Brigitte Bardot plans to give her St. Tropez villa, estimated to be worth $3.8 million, to the animal rights group she has set up. Her lawyer said the 57-year-old actress hopes the gesture will help persuade the French government to list her foundation as a public charity, ensuring its survival after her death. The government has been hesitating over giving charitable status to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, suggesting it needs a firmer financial base. The foundation was created in 1986 from the proceeds of an auction of some of Bardot’s personal effects, which raised $570,000. Since then it has campaigned for an end to ivory trading and waged war on hunting in France.