The Dresser (1983)

100% of critics liked it
(14 reviews)
82% of users liked it
(1,543 ratings)

The complicated relationship of two men who have given their lives to the theater forms the basis for this acclaimed drama. During World War II, an aging but once famous Shakespearean actor, addressed by his cast and crew only as "Sir" (Albert Finney), continues to tour the British theater circuit… More The complicated relationship of two men who have given their lives to the theater forms the basis for this acclaimed drama. During World War II, an aging but once famous Shakespearean actor, addressed by his cast and crew only as "Sir" (Albert Finney), continues to tour the British theater circuit with a rag tag group of elderly and handicapped actors who are exempt from military service. Sir has grown frustrated, senile, and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown; he's come to rely upon his dresser Norman (Tom Courtenay), an endlessly loyal homosexual who would do anything for the man he's come to love. Norman tries to guide Sir through yet another tour of the hinterlands in The Tempest. This expanded film adaptation of Ronald Harwood's award-winning stage drama also stars Edward Fox as Oxenby, an unhappy member of Sir's company; Sir was said to be based on real-life actor Donald Wolfit. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 59 min.
Directed By: Peter Yates
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 6, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Apr 6, 2004

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Superb, Oscar-nominated performannces by Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay make this play-to-screen melodrama about backstage theater life in WWII England quite enjoyable.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The showbiz drama should be especially appealing to theater lovers.
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Fascinating character study with standout turns by Finney and Courtenay.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Gives a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the theatre business

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Arash X

Impressive & fun with exciting parallels & good perfs, pity it's overlooked
Dimitris S

Captivating,a truly unknown film investigating and studying the behind-the-scenes of the theater and their comical/versatile characters.Striking environmental observance and Yates creates his last grand film before his downfall.And Finney/Courtney give the BEST dual performance of… More
Captivating,a truly unknown film investigating and studying the behind-the-scenes of the theater and their comical/versatile characters.Striking environmental observance and Yates creates his last grand film before his downfall.And Finney/Courtney give the BEST dual performance of '83.