Stan & Ollie is a biopic about Laurel and Hardy, the world’s most famous comedy duo, attempting to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song – a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain. Tonight it closed the 2018 London Film Festival. It stars Steve Coogan as Stan Laurel and John C. Reilly as Oliver Hardy, both go through uncanny physical transformations. Shirley Henderson stars as Oliver’s wife Lucille Hardy and Danny Huston, Nina Arianda, Rufus Jones and Stephanie Hyam complete the main cast. It was directed by Jon S. Baird and written by Jeff Pope.
Coogan and Reilly talk about the timeless appeal of Laurel & Hardy, how their comedy is based on the opposite of hate and why now joy is such an important thing to be part of. Reilly talks about the theatricality of the film, and how they both got into the physicality as well as the complex psychological roles. They liken the relationship of the two comedians to a marriage, and how the examination of their friendship propels the film. Shirley Henderson talked about how the film charts the human condition through the love these two icons of cinema had for each other. She calls it a love story, between the two and also their love of performing.
Stan & Ollie LFF Premiere Interviews
PLOT:
The true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the inimitable movie icons, Stan and Ollie is the heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour. With their golden era long behind them, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and 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 for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.
Colin Hart and Scott Davis were on the red carpet for these interviews.
Stan & Ollie is released in the US on the 28th of December, 2018 and in the UK on the 11th of January, 2019.
