Yahoo News Sony Pictures Classics Nabs ‘The Duke’ For U.S., Latin America, Scandinavia From Pathe
Pathé has sold Roger Michell’s Venice title “The Duke,” starring Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent to Sony Pictures Classics for the U.S., Latin America and Scandinavia.
Written by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman, the comedy drama follows a 60-year-old taxi driver who, in 1961, stole Francisco Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first, and remains the only, theft in the Gallery’s history. He sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government agreed to provide television for free to the elderly.
Pathé International had pre-sold the rest of the world rights prior to the Venice Film Festival. The distributor will release the film in the U.K,, France and Switzerland. Other sales include: Australia (Transmission), Benelux (Paradiso), Canada/Germany/Spain (eOne), China (Huanxi), Czech Republic (AQS), Former Yugoslavia (MCF), Israel (Forum), Italy (BIM), Japan (Phantom), Middle East (Front Row) and Poland (Monolith).
“The Duke” is a Pathé, Ingenious Media and Screen Yorkshire presentation of a Neon Films production. Nicky Bentham is the producer and executive producers are Cameron McCracken and Jenny Borgars for Pathé, Andrea Scarso for Ingenious Media, Hugo Heppell for Screen Yorkshire, Peter Scarf and Christopher Bunton.
“‘The Duke’ is a romp first and foremost: Michell’s merry direction makes sure of that. But its stars put a small, dignified lump in its throat,” wrote Guy Lodge, reviewing the film for Variety.
Speaking to Variety about the film, Michell said: “it has this particular tone which is rather like an Ealing comedy. It’s got huge exuberance to it. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but it’s not a comedy, if you see what I mean. It’s about a little man speaking truth to power in a wonderfully moving way.”
More from Variety
Anthony Hopkins Makes Strong Case for Second Oscar for 'The Father'
'The Duke' Review: Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren Give Heart to a Very English Heist Comedy
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
