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The closing night film for the 62nd BFI London Film Festival has been announced, with eOne's Stan & Ollie receiving its worldwide premiere.
The gala will take place on 21 October at Cineworld Leicester Square, with stars Steve Coogan and John C Reilly in attendance.
Stan & Ollie tells the story of one of the most iconic double acts of Hollywood, Laurel & Hardy, following them on what would become their farwell tour.
Speaking of the announcement, BFI London Film Festival's Artistic Director, Tricia Tuttle remarked: “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.”
Adding to this, the director of Stan & Ollie Jon S. Biard said: "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 take place between Wednesday 10 October and Sunday 21 October 2018, with the full festival programme being announced on 30 August. For more information, visit the BFI website here.