Madonna Deep Sixes '50 Violins'

Madonna has stopped working on her latest film, 50 Violins, after spending three months learning to play the violin for the character she was to portray.

The Miramax film is based on the life of Roberta Tzavaris, the East Harlem violin teacher who overcame a tough divorce and taught inner-city children how to play the violin.

Wes Craven, the film's director, and Miramax denied rumors stating Madonna was cut from the project after a read-through of the script and a series of demands of which Craven did not approve.

Miramax co-chairman, Harvey Weinstein, called the parting of the ways "a mutual decision."

No comment came from Madonna, who won a Golden Globe award for her performance in the 1996 film Evita.

Madonna's other film credits include A League of Their Own (1992), Dick Tracy (1990), and Desperately Seeking Susan (1985).