Sony Pictures Classics has announced that they have acquired all U.S. and South African rights to Hysteria. The film is directed by Tanya Wexler from a script by the team of Stephen Dyer and Jonah Lisa Dyer. A trio of women produced Hysteria - Forthcoming Films' Sarah Curtis, Informant Media's Judy Cairo, and Beachfront Films' Tracey Becker.

The film stars Academy Award nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy alongside Jonathan Pryce, Rupert Everett, and Felicity Jones and had its World Premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Hysteria, a mischievously inspired romantic comedy, is based on the surprising truth of how Mortimer Granville came up with the world's first electro-mechanical vibrator in the name of medical science.

"'Hysteria' is meant to be both funny and smart. It's really a movie that says you are in charge of your own happiness," says director Wexler. "Sony Classics is the perfect company to unleash 'Hysteria' into American movie theatres. They understand 'smart and funny' movies better than anyone else out there. They are just what the doctor ordered."

"'Hysteria' is a winner on all counts. It is funny, fresh and warm. From director Tanya Wexler's expert filmmaking to her accomplished production team (sets, costumes and cinematography are all impressive) to the great performances from the entire cast (Maggie Gyllenhaal is at an all-time career best here), this is a movie audiences will embrace in a major way," says Sony Pictures Classics.