Friend, Bates Join "Cheri"

Rupert Friend and Kathy Bates have joined the cast of Stephen Frears‘ French period drama “Cheri”.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Friend will play the title character, and Bates is in final negotiations to play his mother, Madame Peloux, a famed courtesan in 1920s France.

Based on French writer Colette’s provocative 1920 novel, the story centers on the spoiled Cheri, sent by his mother to her pal Lea de Lonval (Michelle Pfeiffer) for an adult education. The two enjoy a six-year affair, but it comes to an end when he’s forced to marry a wealthy young woman.

My favorite period films after the jump (I know you want to know)…

Friend has done his share of period romances. In Pride & Prejudice, he romanced Keira Knightley, and he’ll also soon court Emily Blunt as Prince Albert in The Young Victoria, set to hit theaters Sept. 8, 2008.

Looking forward to this. Some of my favorite period movies include “A Room With a View,” “Howard’s End,” and “The Remains of the Day.” Basically, if the words Merchant and Ivory are anywhere on the IMDB page, I’m so there.

How about you? Got any favorite period pieces? I really wasn’t all that crazy about “Atonement.” Sometimes Keira Knightley bugs the heck out of me. I just want to throw a sandwich at her.

Photo: Rupert Friend, Pride & Prejudice, Focus Features, 2005