BANGKOK — Adolf Hitler was a psychopath and a monster but rose to power thanks to big business leaders and other supporters who appreciated his vow to destroy communism and control workers, Hollywood filmmaker Oliver Stone said yesterday.

Stone, who is working on a 10-part documentary on the 20th century titled "The Secret History of the United States," said the German dictator was "enabled by Western bankers" and managed to "seduce" Germany's military industrial complex.

"Hitler is a monster. There is no question. I have no empathy for Hitler at all. He was a crazy psychopath," Stone told reporters in the Thai capital. "But like Frankenstein was a monster, there was a Dr. Frankenstein. He is product of his era."

Stone was in Bangkok to give a lecture to high school students on the role of film in peace-building as part of a visit organized by the Vienna-based International Peace Foundation.

DEPP'S DEATH A 'HORRIBLE RUMOR'

LOS ANGELES — A publicist says Johnny Depp is still very much alive.

Robin Baum, who represents the 46-year-old actor, said yesterday that Internet reports of Depp's death over the weekend in France were a horrible rumor. Baum called the hoax the work of an irresponsible and unconscionable person, especially since children and families are involved.

Depp, 46, has two children with his partner, Vanessa Paradis.

DIVORCING HOPPERS BATTLE FOR CUSTODY

LOS ANGELES — Court records show Dennis Hopper's wife wants full custody of their young daughter as part of their divorce case.

Victoria Hopper filed a response yesterday to a divorce petition filed Jan. 14 by Dennis Hopper that cited irreconcilable differences.

The actor is battling prostate cancer.

Victoria Hopper's papers list the same reason for the breakup and note her husband filed for the divorce the same day they separated.

The "Easy Rider" actor wants joint custody of the couple's 6-year-old daughter. He also is asking a judge to award his wife spousal support.

The Hoppers have been married nearly 14 years.