John Huston Better; Birthday Party Set

FALL RIVER, Mass. — Ailing Hollywood Oscar-winning director John Huston’s condition was upgraded from serious to fair Monday, and officials were planning an 81st birthday party for him at the hospital Wednesday, officials said.

Huston’s recuperation from bronchial pneumonia and an acute emphysema attack “took a dramatic turn for the better,” a Charlton Memorial Hospital spokesman said.

Huston was working on the movie “Mr. North” in Newport, R. I., directed by his son, Danny, when he was stricken last Tuesday.