running gzip with the system function

[lance turner]

I'm trying to use the system function to run the gzip program with 
the following line of code:

        $status = system("gzip $filename");

        where $filename is the file that is to be compressed

It isn't working and a status of 65280 is being returned.


I've also tried other variations:

        $status = system('gzip filename.tar');

        $status = system('gzip -c filename.tar');

        $status = system('gzip -fv filename.tar');

But I am getting the same results.


I am able to use the system function to run other commands and 
programs such as:

        $status = system("ls -l");

        $status = system("tar -cvf $filename $directory");


What does the 65280 status mean?

Is this the correct way to run a program such as gzip?

Is there another method for doing this?


Any help would be greatly appreciated.

lance turner