Hartnett stars in 'Rain Man' production

LONDON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Josh Hartnett did an adequate job in his London debut as the co-star of a stage production of the movie "Rain Man," stage reviewers say.

Hartnett plays the role fellow Hollywood heartthrob Tom Cruise made famous in the 1988 movie, playing a car salesman with an autistic brother in the stage production, the BBC noted Saturday.

The Barry Levinson-directed film earned actor Dustin Hoffman an Academy Award for best actor for his performance as the autistic brother, played in the London production by actor Adam Godley.

Just as in the film, the London production that started this week follows Hartnett's character, Charlie Babbitt, as he struggles to identify with his brother and his affliction.

The British network said the stage adaptation marks the most recent attempt to bring Hollywood to London's celebrated West End theater district. The broadcaster said similar stage efforts have been made with the movies "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz," while a production of "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is set for its London debut.