Frost/Nixon to open film festival

Frank Langella and Michael Sheen reprise their roles as Nixon and Frost

The world premiere of Frost/Nixon will open this year's London Film Festival in October, it has been announced.

Adapted from the acclaimed stage play, the film reconstructs interviews between British journalist David Frost and former US President Richard Nixon.

Directed by Oscar-winning director Ron Howard, it sees Michael Sheen and Frank Langella reprise their stage roles as Frost and Nixon respectively.

The annual film festival, now in its 52nd year, runs from 15-30 October.

Richard Nixon resigned in 1974 rather than face impeachment

Frost/Nixon is based on the series of interviews broadcast in 1977, which gripped more than 45 million people as the disgraced Nixon was quizzed Frost for the first time since his resignation two years previously.

It saw the former president tacitly admit his part in the Watergate scandal that led to his downfall.

The play, which opened at the Donmar Warehouse in London in August 2006, transferred to Broadway and won several awards.

'Fairy-tale ride'

It was written and adapted by The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan.

"I've been so fortunate with Frost/Nixon, working with two world-class directors in theatre and film, and watching two lead actors at the top of their games," said Morgan.

"Now, having the film premiere at my hometown just completes a thrilling, fairy-tale ride for me."

The film, which also stars Kevin Bacon, Oliver Platt and Toby Jones, goes on release in the UK on 9 January.

"We're delighted to be opening our festival with this fascinating study of a unique moment in cultural and political life," said Sandra Hebron, the festival's artistic director.

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