The 62nd BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® has just announced that this year’s Closing Night Gala will be the World Premiere of the anticipated Laurel and Hardy biopic, STAN & OLLIE, which will take place at the Cineworld, Leicester Square, on 21st October 2018, attended by Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly, who star as the legendary duo.
Director Jon S. Baird, BAFTA Award-winning writer Jeff Pope, producer Faye Ward and other cast members will also be in attendance.
Entertainment One (eOne) and the BFI London Film Festival have also announced that there will be simultaneous preview screenings of STAN & OLLIE taking place at cinemas across the UK.
STAN & OLLIE is the true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy.
Brought to the big screen for the first time, STAN & OLLIE is the heart-warming story of their journey around the UK and Ireland in what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour. 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.
BFI London Film Festival Artistic Director, Tricia Tuttle says:
“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 mega-watt 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.”
STAN & OLLIE will be released in the UK and Ireland by Entertainment One on January 11th 2019.
The 62nd BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express® takes place from Wednesday 10 October-Sunday 21 October 2018. The full Festival programme will be announced on Thursday 30 August 2018.
