Douglas, Damon sign up for Liberace film

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Michael Douglas has signed on to play flamboyant Las Vegas entertainer Liberace in the bio-picture "Behind the Candelabra," HBO Films said Tuesday.

The Hollywood Reporter said Matt Damon will play Scott Thorson, the late performer's boyfriend, in the TV movie to be directed by Steven Soderbergh and produced by Jerry Weintraub. Liberace died of cardiac arrest at the age of 67 in 1987.

Damon, Weintraub and Soderbergh previously worked together on the "Ocean's Eleven" film franchise.

"This is a story that's going to surprise a lot of people," HBO Films President Len Amato said Tuesday. "It's funny, heartbreaking and always fascinating, and we are delighted that Jerry and Steven brought the film to HBO. With Steven at the helm, directing such accomplished actors as Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, this is a dream project for us."

Production is to begin next summer in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Springs, The Hollywood Reporter said.