FILM fans have been given their first look at the upcoming Stan & Ollie movie, a comedy based on Stan Laurel, one of Ulverston’s most famous exports.

The two-and-a-half minute clip gives an insight into the film, which stars Steve Coogan as Laurel and John C Reilly as American Oliver Hardy.

Entertainment One’s title focuses on the end of their career as they complete a tour around Great Britain during 1953, which became their farewell to showbusiness.

The film will premiere at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival in October where it has been chosen as American Express’s closing night gala film before opening in cinemas nationwide on January 11.

Mark Greenhow, owner of the Laurel and Hardy Museum in Ulverston, where Coogan and Reilly visited after being cast, said he was ‘stoked’ for the film.

“I absolutely loved the trailer,” he said.

“We have been so excited about it since we first started to hear the rumblings that it was going to be made.

“I can’t wait to watch the full film. We exist to keep the memory of Stan and Oliver alive so anything to promote that can only be a good thing.”

The movie’s synopsis said it will reveal ‘the true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act’ for the first time.

It is described as a ‘heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour.’

“With their golden era long behind them, the pair embarks on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland,” it reads.

“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.”

People on Twitter gave their reactions to the trailer upon its release yesterday.

“There are few movie trailers that put a smile on my face, and even fewer trailers make me want to watch the film, but @Stan_And_Ollie’s official trailer not only makes me smile but makes me desperate to want to watch #StanAndOllie when it hits cinemas early next year,” one said.

Another added: “Looks good. Coogan has definitely been doing his homework.”

Others commented praising ‘a genius bit of casting’ and said they were impressed with the accents.