Before William Hung became a national sensation for one hot minute, there was "Florence Foster Jenkins." It’s a true story of a socialite, who had dreams just as big as the "American Idol" star, and just as much talent. And while we have yet to get the William Hung biopic, Florence Foster Jenkins’ story is coming to the big screen.
Meryl Streep takes the title role of the enthusiastic opera singer with zero talent, with Hugh Grant as her devoted, enabling butler/manager/"husband," and Simon Helberg as the man tasked with accompanying Florence on piano. Here’s the official synopsis:
Set in 1940s New York, Florence Foster Jenkins is the true story of the legendary New York heiress and socialite (Meryl Streep) who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a great singer. The voice she heard in her head was beautiful, but to everyone else it was hilariously awful. Her "husband" and manager, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), an aristocratic English actor, was determined to protect his beloved Florence from the truth. But when Florence decided to give a public concert at Carnegie Hall, St. Clair knew he faced his greatest challenge.
"Florence Foster Jenkins" opens on August 12th.