'Lord Of The Rings' Director Released By Hospital

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - "The Lord of the Rings" director Sir Peter Jackson has left a New Zealand hospital after surgery for a perforated ulcer.

Publicist Melissa Booth says Jackson was discharged from Wellington Hospital on Thursday and would continue his recuperation at home. He had surgery after being admitted Jan. 26 with acute stomach pain.

Booth said a delay on filming of the two-part film "The Hobbit" is expected to be minimal. Jackson is set to start filming the prequel to his "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy next month.

She said Jackson thanked hospital staff and fans who had wished him a speedy recovery.