Polley assembles all-star cast for 'Away'

TORONTO, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Canadian actress Sarah Polley has assembled an impressive cast for her feature film directorial debut, "Away From Her," it was reported Tuesday.

Julie Christie, Olympia Dukakis and Michael Murphy have joined the cast of the film adapted from a short story by Alice Munro titled "Away," The Hollywood Reporter said.

Christie will play the forgetful, elderly wife of a philanderer in a nursing home who turns her affections to a fellow resident portrayed by Murphy.

Other members of the ensemble cast include Gordon Pinsent, Wendy Crewson, Kristen Thomson and Alberta Watson.

Polley has written and directed two short films, "The Best Day of My Life" and "Don't Think Twice."

Filming is scheduled to start in rural Ontario on April 7.