Synopsis

In a seaside town in northern England, the withdrawn Laura Hoff retreats into her late father's record collection and secretly imitates legendary singers. Her brash mother and a struggling talent agent discover her remarkable gift and push her toward a nightclub performance. As Laura connects with a shy telephone repairman, she must decide whether to remain hidden or finally find her own voice.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film adapts Jim Cartwright's 1992 play "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice," which was written specifically for Jane Horrocks.

• Jane Horrocks performed all of Little Voice's singing herself, recreating songs associated with performers including Judy Garland, Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe and Gracie Fields.

• The film version added the character Billy, written especially for Ewan McGregor after Mark Herman had worked with him on "Brassed Off."

• Herman substantially expanded Ray Say's role when adapting the play for the screen, giving Michael Caine more material.

• The exterior used for Hoff's Record Shop stood on Barwick Terrace in Scarborough. The derelict building was restored for filming and demolished soon afterward.

• The nightclub scenes were filmed at Wallis' Cayton Bay Holiday Centre near Scarborough, another location later demolished.

• The film received an Academy Award nomination for Brenda Blethyn in the Supporting Actress category at the 1999 ceremony.