Kelly O’Sullivan and Lois Smith Shine in "The Steel Harp" – A New Comedy Film
Kelly O’Sullivan and Lois Smith are set to star together in the upcoming comedy film "The Steel Harp." Directed by O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson, the duo previously collaborated on the acclaimed film "Ghostlight." This project signifies a significant milestone for 94-year-old actress Lois Smith, who won a Tony Award for her outstanding performance in "The Inheritance" in 2021, marking one of her first leading roles in a film.
O’Sullivan not only stars in "The Steel Harp" but also penned the script, showcasing her multifaceted talent. The film also features the talents of Cherry Jones and Reed Birney, and has just completed production in the scenic city of San Francisco.
In "The Steel Harp," Smith portrays Hanna, a feisty nonagenarian who takes her role as a "bridge watcher" very seriously, daily patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge to prevent potential jumpers. On what she intends to be her final day on the job, Hanna crosses paths with Amy (played by O’Sullivan), a determined younger woman who mirrors Hanna’s tenacity. As the holiday season approaches, the two women challenge each other’s resolve and ultimately develop a heartwarming bond.
This film is the second independent project this year for Thompson and O’Sullivan, who are also in post-production for "Mouse," a coming-of-age film featuring a stellar cast including Sophie Okonedo, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Chloe Coleman, Tara Mallen, Iman Vellani, and David Hyde Pierce.
"The Steel Harp" is a collaborative effort between Ley Line Entertainment and Fusion Entertainment, the latter known for producing the film "Between the Temples." Lois Smith’s impressive career began in 1955 alongside James Dean in "East of Eden," and she has since appeared in numerous notable films such as "Five Easy Pieces," "Twister," "Minority Report," "Dead Man Walking," and "Lady Bird." In 2017, she earned critical acclaim for her role in Michael Almereyda’s "Marjorie Prime," receiving nominations for both the Gotham and Independent Spirit Awards for Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, Smith has been nominated for Tony Awards for her powerful performances in "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Buried Child."
O’Sullivan is best known for her role in the award-winning film "Saint Frances," which she also wrote and which Thompson directed. Her performance garnered her a Gotham Award nomination for Breakthrough Actor. On television, O’Sullivan appeared in the series "Sirens" for two seasons.
Cherry Jones, a renowned Tony Award winner, has an impressive theater resume that includes "The Heiress" and "Doubt." She has also received an Emmy Award for her role in "24" and has appeared in popular shows and films such as "Succession," "Signs," "Erin Brockovich," and "The Perfect Storm." Reed Birney, another Tony Award winner for "The Humans," has notable screen credits including "Mass," "The Menu," and "House of Cards."
The producers of "The Steel Harp" include Thompson, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Chelsea Krant, Adam Kersh, Rheagan Khearney, and Pierce Cravens. Ley Line Entertainment, established in 2018 by Headington and Steele Page, is a dynamic company focused on content development, production, and financing across film, television, stage, and music. Their impressive portfolio includes films like "The Green Knight," "Everything Everywhere All at Once," and "Death of a Unicorn," as well as the Olivier-winning and Tony-nominated musical “& Juliet.” Upcoming projects from Ley Line include "Union County," starring Will Poulter and Noah Centineo.
For more updates on "The Steel Harp" and its amazing cast, stay tuned!
