Lavishness, Luster, and Liberace! HBO Canada premieres HBO Films' Big Buzz, Star-Studded Behind The Candelabra on May 26, starring Oscar winners Michael Douglas and Matt Damon

TORONTO, May 14, 2013 /CNW/ - HBO Canada, a multiplex channel of Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (Western Canada) and Astral's The Movie Network (Eastern Canada), presents Behind The Candelabra, a behind-the-scenes look at world-renowned performer Liberace's tempestuous relationship with lover Scott Thorson. Starring Academy Award^® winners Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, executive produced by Emmy^® winner Jerry Weintraub and directed by Academy Award^® winner Steven Soderbergh, from a script by Oscar^® nominee Richard LaGravenese, Behind The Candelabra tracks the couple from their first meeting backstage at the Las Vegas Hilton to their bitter and public breakup. Behind The Candelabra premieres Sunday, May 26 at 9 p.m. ET/MT on HBO Canada.

Before Elvis, Elton John, Madonna and Lady Gaga, there was Liberace: virtuoso pianist, outrageous entertainer and flamboyant star of stage and television. A name synonymous with showmanship, extravagance and candelabras, he was a beloved superstar with a flair that endeared him to his audiences and created a loyal fan base spanning his 40-year career. Liberace lived lavishly and embraced a lifestyle of excess both on and off stage. In the summer of 1977, handsome young stranger Scott Thorson walked into his dressing room and, despite their age difference and seemingly different worlds, the two embarked on a secretive five-year love affair.

Academy Award^® winners Michael Douglas and Matt Damon star in HBO Films' Behind The Candelabra. Executive produced by Emmy^®-winning producer Jerry Weintraub and directed by Academy Award^® winner Steven Soderbergh from a script by Oscar^® nominee Richard LaGravenese, Behind The Candelabra is produced by Gregory Jacobs, Susan Ekins and Michael Polaire. Music for Behind The Candelabra was adapted by the late Marvin Hamlisch.

Emmy^® winner and Oscar® nominee Dan Aykroyd, Golden Globe winner and Emmy^® nominee Scott Bakula, SAG Award winner and multiple Golden Globe nominee Rob Lowe, Tom Papa, multiple Emmy^® and Golden Globe nominee Paul Reiser and Oscar^®, Golden Globe and Emmy^® nominee Debbie Reynolds co-star.

In Eastern Canada, the film will be available in High Definition, on demand, on TMN GO and on HBO Canada OnLine.

In Western Canada, the film will be available in High Definition on HBO Canada HD; on demand, via mobile and online with participating service providers.

HBO Canada is a multiplex channel offered by Astral's The Movie Network (Eastern Canada) and Corus Entertainment's Movie Central (Western Canada). HBO Canada brings Canadians the current slate of signature dramatic programs for which HBO is known, together with new and never-before-seen programming including comedy series, live specials, sporting events, behind-the-scenes content and titles from HBO's extensive library - all in an uncut and commercial-free environment. HBO Canada is offered in high definition on HBO Canada HD and programming is accessible on demand and online where available by service provider. For more information, please visit www.hbocanada.com.

The Movie Network is a member of the Astral family. Astral Media Inc. (TSX : ACM.A/ACM.B) is one of Canada's largest media companies. It operates several of the country's most popular pay and specialty television, radio, out-of-home advertising and interactive media properties. Astral plays a central role in community life across the country by offering diverse, rich and vibrant programming that meets the tastes and needs of consumers and advertisers. To learn more about Astral, visit astral.com.

Movie Central is owned by Corus Entertainment Inc. (CJR.B), a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, television broadcasting, children's book publishing and children's animation. Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com. 

For access to The Movie Network's media room or Movie Central's press site, please visit http://press.astral.com or http://mediacentre.corusent.com.

SOURCE: Movie Central

Media Contacts:

The Movie Network (Eastern Canada)
Ellery Ulster
[phone]
[email protected]

Movie Central (Western Canada)
Owen McCorquodale
[phone]
[email protected]