Biopic to get its world premiere at London Film Festival

Here’s the first look at Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel alongside John C Reilly as Oliver Hardy in a  new movie about  the enduring comedy duo.

The image has been released as it has been announced that Stan & Ollie will receive its world premiere as the closing event of this year’s BFI London Film Festival.

The screening will take place on October  21 at the Cineworld, Leicester Square, and be attended by Coogan and Reilly, director Jon S. Baird, writer Jeff Pope (who previously collaborated with Coogan on Philomena) producer Faye Ward and  others.

There will be simultaneous preview screenings at cinemas across the UK before the film goes on general release on January 11 next year.

Stan & Ollie  charts the duo’s journey around the music halls of UK and Ireland in 1953, long after their glory days and when Hardy was suffering declining health. Although the stage show starts as a flop at the box office, it gradually becomes a hit as audiences appreciate their performances.

The film festival’s artistic director, Tricia Tuttle said: ‘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.’

Director Baird 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.’

The full London Film Festival programme will be announced on August 30, and the BFI will be screening a season of Laurel and Hardy classics to coincide with Stan & Ollie’s release in January.

Published: 3 Aug 2018