First Look at John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan as Laurel and Hardy in STAN & OLLIE
I can hardly even recognize John C. Reilly and Steve Coogan in this first photo from the upcoming Laurel and Hardy biopic Stan & Ollie. They look absolutely great in their roles! I completely forgot that this movie was happening until this image popped up! It was a pretty cool surprise.
Laurel and Hardy was always so much fun to watch when I was a kid. I haven't seen their work in years, but in high school, I remember writing a report on the history of the comedic duo. It's good to see that their story is going to be told on the big screen!
The story centers on Laurel & Hardy, the world’s favorite comedy double act, who set out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953. Diminished by age and with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them, they face an uncertain future. Despite the pressure of a hectic schedule, with the support of their wives Lucille (Shirley Henderson) and Ida (Nina Arianda) – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair’s love of performing, as well as love for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public. As they set out, crisscrossing the country, attendances are disappointingly low. But they’ve always been able to make each other laugh and as the charm and beauty of their performances shines through their audiences laugh too, and they re-connect with legions of adoring fans, old and new.
The film was directed by Jon S. Baird (Filth) from a screenplay written by Jeff Pope, the Oscar-nominated writer of Philomena. The movie is set to premiere at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival and Artistic Director, Tricia Tuttle, had this to say:
“We’re delighted to be closing the BFI London Film Festival with this beautiful tribute to cinema’s early comedy odd couple, Laurel & Hardy. A truly funny and touching story about a tender life-long friendship, Jon Baird’s film is also a must for movie fans, exploring the twilight years of two megawatt performers who had a meteoric rise to fame. These two prove that true comic timing is eternal, and it’s a perfect end to the Festival as the BFI looks ahead to our major UK-wide Comedy Genius season this autumn, as well as a month-long Laurel & Hardy season at BFI Southbank in January.”
The director of the film added:
“I’m really proud to be able to give the film its world premiere in London; a city that’s so dear to myself and I know was to Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. ‘Stan & Ollie,’ at its heart, is a love story between old friends, who just happen to be two of the most iconic comedic characters in Hollywood’s history. I’m really excited to have the Closing Night film and to bring the movie to a Festival audience.”
The 62nd BFI London Film Festival will run from October 10 through October 21, 2018. Stan & Ollie is set to be released in the UK on January 11, 2019. There is no word yet on when the film will be released in the US.