Although it was initially scheduled for release on October 21st, Warner Independent Pictures has opted not to release the "Strangers With Candy" movie, for one reason or another.

WIP "won't release "Strangers With Candy" out of concern that the producers didn't secure all the needed rights, including for such items as posters and props.

Move comes as Warner Bros. Pictures regroups after being slapped with a $17.5 million rights judgment in connection with this summer's "Dukes of Hazzard." Industry insiders say the studio is being extra-vigilant."

(Other, more cynical, observers believe that there may be more "political" reasons for the film being dumped.)

"Strangers With Candy" played at Sundance this past January, and it was there that WIP purchased the distribution rights for a cool $3 million. Based on the cult TV show of the same name, "SWC" is directed by Paul Dinello, written by the Candy squad, and features faces like Amy Sedaris, Stephen Colbert, Matthew Broderick, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Dan Hedaya, Ian Holm, Allison Janney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristen Johnston, and Justin Theroux.

"Insiders say WIP could void the contract with (David Letterman's production company) Worldwide Pants, which would then be free to seek out another distributor."