Gyllenhaal to Star in Vibrator Comedy

Actress tops Victorian-era indie 'Hysteria'

By DAVE MCNARY

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy will star in indie romantic comedy "Hysteria," centered on the invention of the vibrator in Victorian Era England.

"Hysteria," penned by Stephen Dyer and Jonah Lisa Dyer, is directed by Tanya Wexler. Jonathan Pryce and Rupert Everett have already been signed to co-star.

Producers are Forthcoming Films' Sarah Curtis ("Mansfield Park"), Beachfront Films' Tracey Becker ("Finding Neverland") and Informant Media's Judy Cairo ("Crazy Heart.") Shooting's scheduled in October in London and Luxembourg.

Dancy and Pryce will star as doctors in London treating cases of "hysteria," a condition characterized by a woman's irritability, anger or unexplained tears. Dancy's character and his best friend, portrayed by Everett, experiment with a new electrical device for treatment for the ailment. Gyllenhaal portrays the daughter of Pryce's character.

Gyllenhaal starred in "Crazy Heart" and co-stars in "Nanny McPhee Returns," which opens Friday. Dancy starred in "Adam."

Executive Producers on "Hysteria" are Informant's Michael A. Simpson and Eric Brenner, Sandra Siegal and Ken Atchity, Mark Kress, and Stephen Dyer. Co-producers are Anouk Nora of France's By Alternative Pictures and Jimmy deBrabant of Luxembourg's Delux Films.

Elle Driver is the international sales agent and Tom Ortenberg's One Way Out Media is repping the North American rights. Gyllennhaal is repped by CAA and The Schiff Co. Dancy is represented by UTA, Gene Parseghian and United Agents.

Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com.