Pfeiffer finds young lover in period romance

Rupert Friend & Keira Knightley

Rupert Friend, who captured the heart of Keira Knightley in "Pride & Prejudice," will romance Michelle Pfeiffer in another period drama.

He will play the title character in "Cheri," which is based on French writer Colette's provocative 1920 novel. Stephen Frears ("The Queen") is directing.

Kathy Bates is in final negotiations to play his mother, Madame Peloux, a famed courtesan in 1920s France. Peloux sends the spoiled Cheri to her courtesan pal Lea de Lonval (Pfeiffer) for an adult education, but their six-year affair comes to a painful end when he's forced to marry a wealthy young woman.

Friend will soon be seen courting Emily Blunt as Prince Albert in "The Young Victoria." Bates currently can be seen torturing James Caan in a DirecTV commercial parody of her Oscar-winning "Misery" role.

"Cheri" will reunite "Dangerous Liaisons" partners Pfeiffer, Frears and screenwriter Christopher Hampton. Miramax and Pathe will distribute.