Keira Knightley's beau Rupert Friend has stripped off for steamy scenes with Michelle Pfeiffer in the romantic drama Cheri.

The film has been directed by Stephen Frears. It is an adaptation of the novel by French author Colette. The film premiered at the 2009 Berlin International Film Festival, reports the Sun.

Set in 1920s Paris, Cheri tells the story of the end of a six-year affair between an aging retired courtesan, Lea, and a pampered young man, Cheri.

Turning stereotypes upside-down, it is Cheri who wears silk pajamas and Lea's pearls.