Caine and Mortimer take to British vigilante tale

By Borys Kit and Stuart Kemp

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer have signed on to star in "Harry Brown," a British vigilante thriller.

"Brown" centers on an elderly ex-serviceman and widower (Caine) who lives alone in a community that has been decimated by drugs and gun crime. When his best friend is murdered, the man dispenses his own brand of justice. Mortimer plays a young policewoman.

"It's a modern urban Western that reflects the stark realities of youth crime in the 21st century both in the U.K. and internationally," said Kris Thykier, one of the film's producers.

Indie financier HanWay Films is selling the film at the Toronto International Film Festival. Principal photography is set to begin on location in the U.K. in November. Daniel Barber will direct from a script by Gary Young.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter