'Eloise' heads for big screen

The literary heroine heads to Paris in the first of a proposed series of films.

Jan  8 2007

Handmade Films have announced plans to bring Eloise, star of a hugely popular series of children's books, to the big screen.

Nigel Cole ('Calendar Girls', 'Saving Grace') has been drafted in to direct the first of a proposed series of films, which will be entitled 'Eloise in Paris'.

First published in 1955, the Eloise books were written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight, and followed the fearless heroine as she embarked on all manner of adventures.

The forthcoming film will shoot on location in Paris, New York and London and follow Eloise, her nanny and her pet turtle as they head for the French capital during fashion week.

'Even though she was created in the '50s, Eloise is in many ways the embodiment of a modern girl – independent, resourceful, spirited and inquisitive,' explains Cole. 'It is these attributes, coupled with the magical quality of the Eloise adventures, which really drew me to the project.'

'Eloise in Paris' is set to hit screens in spring 2008, with the hunt now on to find a young actress to play the title role.

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