Manchester 1976: a Granada TV presenter by the name of Tony Wilson (Steve Coogan) is at a Sex Pistols gig. Such is the inspiration it awakens in him, he and his friends set up Factory Records, signing first Joy Division (who became New Order) and later the Happy Mondays. This will also eventually lead to the creation of The Haçienda, one of the most famous dance clubs in the world and witness to the musical vibrancy from the late 70s to the early 90s.

John Simm plays Bernard Sumner, one of the founders and guitarist with Joy Division. When the band became New Order, he also emerged as the permanent vocalist and lyricist.

 Several people make cameo appearances in the film, including Howard Devoto, Paul Ryder, Rowetta, Mark E. Smith and Tony Wilson himself as the "Wheel of Fortune" director.

 The film won a British Independent Film Award for Best Achievement in Production and was nominated for 12 more awards, including the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival 2002.

 John Simm offers a wonderful rendition of New Order's Blue Monday in the film. Sadly, it's not available in its entirety anywhere, though a different version of the scene (with no voice over) can be seen in the Special Edition DVD.

 He also stars in New Order's music video for the song Here to Stay, which was released around the same time the film was. Mr Simm was later invited on stage during New Order's performance of Joy Division's Digital, at their 2002 gig in Finsbury Park.

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24 Hour Party People is available on DVD pretty much everywhere. A single disc edition was first released in the UK, followed by a Special Edition that includes extras such as interviews, deleted scenes (some with John Simm), the Here to Stay music video, audio commentaries (one with Tony Wilson, another with Steve Coogan and Andrew Eaton) and more. In addition, there's an original soundtrack featuring songs from the movie and a novelization of the film by Tony Wilson also available.