Helen Mirren: Set for big-screen 'Brighton Rock'

Helen Mirren: Set for big-screen 'Brighton Rock'

Oscar winning British actress Helen Mirren has signed up to star in the remake of Graham Greene's classic 1939 novel "Brighton Rock".

The 64 year old Mirren will star alongside Sam Riley, who will take the central role of Pinkie Brown and Andrea Riseborough, who will play Rose Brown.

Greene’s novel was made into a 1947 film with Richard Attenborough as Pinkie and Hermione Baddeley as Ida.

The story of "Brighton Rock" centres on teenager Pinkie, who seduces a young waitress after she stumbles on evidence linking him and his gang to a revenge killing committed by Pinkie.

Mirren will play Ida Arnold, an amateur detective who sets out to find the truth behind the killing.

Rowan Joffe will direct the movie. He also co-wrote the screenplay. The movie will be set in 1964, revitalising the story and bring it closer to modern times.

Paul Webster will produce the film.

Rowan Joffe said, "We're making Brighton Rock as contemporary as we possibly can because the story feels 'modern'. It's too alive, too vibrant and too relevant to be contained in the late 1930s".

Webster said, "Rowan has written a formidable script that has attracted a cast that is a perfect blend of youth and experience. The scene is set to make a truly great British gangster film".

The movie will be made in association with BBC Films, which will begin production in London and Brighton on October 18.