Hollywood hits the Black Country as Steve Coogan and John C Reilly shoot Stan and Ollie in Dudley
It was lights, camera, action as Hollywood rolled into the Black Country for the filming of Stan and Ollie, the new Laurel and Hardy movie.
Crowds stopped and stared as funnyman Steve Coogan and Hollywood star John C Reilly mingled with filming crew and cast members at the Black Country Living Museum on Friday.
Tight security surrounded the 1930s street, where children and costumed police officers were marched up and down the street as directors placed Coogan in different positions on set.
Coogan - known for his alter-ego Alan Partridge and recent series The Trip - plays Laurel, while American Reilly - who was Oscar nominated for his role in Chicago and has starred in countless blockbusters like Gangs of New York, Boogie Nights and Anchorman - takes the role of Oliver Hardy.
The pair, both aged 51, were seen relaxing between scenes for the movie, which is directed by Jon Baird. Visitors were able to enter the museum, but were unable to go in to the 1930s street.
One onlooker said: “It’s been fascinating – it’s not every day that you see Steve Coogan out and about in Dudley.”
She added: “It was amazing watching him and John C Reilly perform. It was a real treat.”
Wearing a grey waistcoat and purple tie with his hair slicked back, Coogan joined Reilly to film a short scene on a fictional zebra crossing.
White strips were laid down on the road surface as two Morris Minors were position nearby.
