Philomena released in UK cinemas on November 1 Ok film buffs - presumably you've already been amazed and enthralled by Thor: the Dark World this week. How about a heart rending tear-jerker to kick off your weekend? This Friday Philomena emerges in UK cinemas telling the story of an unlikely pair embarking on the search for the long lost child of a "fallen woman." The film tells the tragic story of Philomena Lee, determined to find her son after years of separation with the help of journalist and professional cynic Martin Sixsmith. Philomena's child was taken from her soon after birth given the Catholic Church's strict views on teenage pregnancy in 1950s Ireland. Philomena won the title of the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival for Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope. Co-writer and star Steve Coogan discusses the film at the movie premiere, saying he was "looking for something off the well-trodden path of comedy." This year saw Coogan in the hilarious return of Alan Partridge, beloved radio DJ, in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa. From one comedian to another, Rory Bremner tweets about Coogan's performance following the premiere last week: Looks like Coogan pulled it off. If you're going to see the film this weekend, be sure to bring the tissues. BBC Radio 4 Women's Hour caused quite a stir among tweeters yesterday morning after an interview with the real Philomena Lee. Lee told the story of how she was disowned by her Irish family because of the controversy surrounding pregnancy out with wedlock in the 50s. Philomena is the ultimate human interest story and Dame Judi Dench gives a beautifully rich performance as the film's heroine. Did you know that her first stage appearance was as a snail in a play at her Quaker junior school? From Shakespeare to 007 (and apparently molluscs), Dench is an undeniably eclectic actress. I'll leave you with 5 Dame Judi Dench quotes - perhaps 5 reasons to love her all the more: I don't like reading scripts very much. I like it better for someone to just explain to me what it is about this story. The best moment of playing [William Shakespeare's] Juliet is the nanosecond when they offer you the part. On plastic surgery: I've considered it, but I'm too old now. Every time I go to America I wonder if there is some process where it could all be sucked out and I could be out of there in time for dinner, but I'm frightened it would all drop off under the anaesthetic. I am very un-divaish. Very rarely in 52 years in the business have I met anyone who has behaved in a selfish way. National treasure? I hate that. Too dusty, too in a cupboard, too behind glass, too staid. I don't want to be thought of as recognisable - I always want to do the most different thing I can think of next. Philomena is released in cinemas across the UK on Friday, November 1.