Beresford's back with 'Black' comedy

Romantic comedy stars Bellucci, Pearce, Otto

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Bruce Beresford will direct Monica Bellucci, Guy Pearce and Miranda Otto in "The Women in Black," a romantic comedy based on the Madeleine St. John novel. Pic will shoot in Sydney in October.

The Little Film Co.'s Robbie Little is selling the pic for international territories.

The film takes place in a high-fashion salon of a department store in 1960, involving a group of sales ladies and their families.

"This is the film I have wanted to do ever since I first read Madeleine St. John's dazzling small novel," Beresford said.

Sue Milliken will produce through Samson Prods., and Limelight Intl.'s Grant Bradley & Richard Stewart will be executive producers.