Songwriter and former Oxford schoolboy Ivor Novello is to be featured in a new film.

Novello, one of the last century's greatest composers and a former pupil of Magdalen College School, is depicted in the film Gosford Park.

The prolific songwriter, who wrote morale-boosting songs such as Keep the Home Fires Burning during the world wars, was a pupil and chorister at the Iffley Road school from 1903 to 1909.

The film, which was partly filmed in Oxford, is a fictional murder mystery by American director Robert Altman, whose movies include Mash, The Player and Pret Porter.

It is due to open in Oxford on Friday, February 1.

The part of Novello is played in the film by Jeremy Northam, who is best known for his role as Mr Knightley in an Oscar-wining adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma.

Others stars appearing in the movie are Richard E Grant, Derek Jacobi, Maggie Smith, Kristin Scott Thomas and Helen Mirren.

While researching the film last year, its producers visited Magdalen College School to help understand the influence of Oxford on the young Novello -- who was forced to leave a year earlier than planned, following a scandal over his relationship with another boy.

Last year was the 50th anniversary of his death.

The school's usher, Richard Cairns, said: "We are proud of our links with Ivor Novello, who wrote his first song at the school."