'The Queen' reigns at box office

Stephen Frears’ film 'The Queen', released by Pathé Distribution has swept into the No. 1 spot at the UK Box Office, taking a massive £1.25 million so far this week on 340 screens.
The Queen is clearly benefiting from exceptional word of mouth, with Box Office figures building steadily through the week, lifting it well ahead of Hollywood blockbusters TALLADEGA NIGHTS (£1.22m) and BLACK DAHLIA (£726k).
Already exciting awards buzz and strong reactions in the US, the film will open the New York Film Festival on September 29, with Miramax Films planning a wide US release from September 30.
The Queen won three awards at the Venice Film Festival: Best Actress for Helen Mirren’s performance, Best Screenplay for Peter Morgan, and the prestigious FIPRESCI/International Critics Prize for Best Film in the Competition, awarded by a jury of international critics.
An intimate and revealing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family in turmoil during the days immediately following the death of Princess Diana, the film stars Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Helen McCrory, Alex Jennings, and Sylvia Syms.
'The Queen' is a Granada Films and Pathé Pictures Production.
Written by Peter Morgan, producers are Andy Harries, Christine Langan and Tracey Seaward with Executive Producers Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken and Scott Rudin.
(DS/SP)