"He didn't ask my permission," Bradbury told The Associated Press. "That's not his novel. That's not his title, so he shouldn't have done it."

The title of novel was a reference to the temperature at which books burn. The negative utopia tale became an instant classic when it was published in 1953, a story based around a society where firemen start fires to burn books to help quell independent thought. Moore borrowed the title for his film, which questions the Bush administration�s handling of the Sept. 11 attacks and the War on Terror that followed. 

Bradbury, a registered independent, says he has not seen the film but told The Associated Press that he contacted Moore�s company six months ago to protest the use of the name and he was promised a call back from Michael Moore.  

The call came last Saturday, according to Bradbury. "He suddenly realized he's let too much time go by," said Bradbury who said that Moore told him that he was �embarrassed�. 

The Associated Press did not speak with Moore directly about the matter but did speak with Joanne Doroshow, a spokesperson for the film. She defended the use of the name and said that it reflects the film.  "Mr Bradbury's work has been an inspiration to all of us involved in this film, but when you watch this film you will see the fact that the title reflects the facts that the movie explores, the very real life events before, around and after 9-11," she said. 

Bradbury told The Associated Press that he would rather not litigate the matter; instead he is "hoping to settle this as two gentlemen, if he'll shake hands with me and give me back my book and title."  

However, even if Moore agreed to rename the film, it might not be possible at this late date. The film is set to open this Friday and will be shown on between 400 to 600 screens across the U.S..  
 

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