QUICK TAKES

In opposition

Peter Falk's adopted daughter may have wanted to put the actor under conservatorship, but his wife of 32 years is having none of that. Documents filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court say the former "Columbo" star entrusted his wife, Shera Danese Falk, to manage his affairs and care. Catherine Falk asked to be named conservator in December, saying her father was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Falk's wife says he is receiving adequate care and does not have a close relationship with Catherine Falk.

Not guilty plea

Actor Matt Dillon's lawyer, Mark Kaplan was in a Vermont court Wednesday to plead not guilty to a Dec. 30 speeding charge. In an affidavit filed with the Vermont District Court in Chelsea, a state trooper said the actor was cooperative after he was stopped for allegedly going 106 mph on an interstate.

Dickens out of hospital

"Little" Jimmy Dickens is out of a Nashville, Tenn., area hospital and in a rehabilitation center to recuperate from surgery. The 88-year-old Grand Ole Opry star had surgery Jan. 13 to repair a subdural hematoma, a form of brain injury.

Obama musical set

Producers have announced that a new musical, "Obama on My Mind," will open at a small theater in London in March. The play's book, music and lyrics are by U.S.-born writer Teddy Hayes. The musical, which will be set in a Barack Obama campaign office, will run at the Hen and Chickens theater in north London from March 3-21.

Order granted

A judge in Ventura County has granted actress Alyssa Milano a three-year restraining order against a man she says has repeatedly tried to contact her and showed up at her home unannounced. The order against Jeff Turner was issued on Dec. 23. In court documents, Milano wrote that Turner has hiked miles to try to meet her and has repeatedly tried to get access at an event where she was appearing.

Give him a chance first

"It's like he hasn't done anything yet, but everybody is commenting on his performance. Give him a chance." -- Craig Ferguson, host of CBS' "Late Late Show," defending future TV competitor Jimmy Fallon against critics who are already being negative. Fallon is expected to take over NBC's "Late Night" in March.

Compiled from wire reports by Melissa Sullivan