Sierra/Affinity is launching international sales on Steve Coogan-John C. Reilly movie “Stan & Ollie” at the Cannes Film Festival.
Jon S. Baird is directing the story of the comedy team of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy from Jeff Pope’s script. Entertainment One and BBC Films will co-finance the feature, which is produced by Faye Ward’s Fable Pictures, in association with eOne Features and BBC Films.
The rights to the work of Laurel and Hardy was licensed by Larry Harmon Pictures Corporation. Executive producers on the film are Christine Langan and Nichola Martin for BBC Films, Gabrielle Tana, as well as Jeff Pope for Sonesta Films.
The film follows Laurel & Hardy setting out on a variety hall tour of Britain in 1953 with their golden era as the kings of Hollywood comedy now behind them with attendances low. The charm of their performances shines through as the tour becomes a hit, but long-buried ghosts, coupled with Hardy’s failing health, start to threaten their partnership.
Entertainment One will directly distribute the film in Canada, the UK, Australia/New Zealand, Benelux and Spain. Sierra/Affinity will represent all other international territories outside of the U.S.
Coogan and Reilly came on to star on the project in January.
