At nearly 78, Clint Eastwood is glowing with inspiration and the real life story of single mother Christine Collins, whose little boy disappears in 1920s Los Angeles as a corrupt police department attempts to cover up its failure, is the perfect film for him to bring to the big screen.

“Changeling” premiered Tuesday, May 20, at the Cannes Film Festival and received ample praise for director Clint Eastwood, star Angelina Jolie and writer J. Michael Straczynski.

The drama is based on the 1928 case of Christine Collins, a single mother in Los Angeles whose little boy disappears. What follows is a story some may find hard to believe in these modern times.

The LAPD, seeping with corruption, attempts to close the case by presenting Collins with another boy. When the woman insists that she has not been returned her son, the detective handling the investigation has her locked up in a mental institution.

The desperate mother does not give up, although outnumbered and overpowered. John Malkovich has a supporting role as a radio preacher who joins Collins. The cast also includes Geoff Pierson, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Butler Harner, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan and Michael Kelly.

Film critics are already saying “Changeling” and Palme D’Or in the same breath, while Academy Award has also been whispered.

Jolie was in Cannes last year as well, promoting “A Mighty Heart.” Her role as Marianne Pearl earned her critical praise and a number of awards. Eastwood, who celebrates his 78th anniversary on May 31, presented “Mystic River” in 2003 (Sean Penn is head of the jury this year).

“Changeling” is scheduled for release in the United States on November 7.