The Dresser (1983)
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100% of critics liked it
(14 reviews) -
81% of users liked it
(1,630 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… 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
- Directed By
- Peter Yates
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
PG,
- In Theaters
- Dec 6, 1983 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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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.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The showbiz drama should be especially appealing to theater lovers.
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Fascinating character study with standout turns by Finney and Courtenay.
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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Gives a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the theatre business
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Cast
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Albert Finney
as Sir
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Tom Courtenay
as Norman
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Edward Fox
as Oxenby
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Zena Walker
as Her Ladyship
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Eileen Atkins
as Madge
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Michael Gough
as Frank Carrington
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Cathryn Harrison
as Irene
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Betty Marsden
as Violet Manning
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Sheila Reid
as Lydia Gibson
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Lockwood West
as Geoffrey Thornton
- Christopher Atkins
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Joe Belcher
as Arthur
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Donald Eccles
as Mr. Godstone
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Paul Luty
as Stallkeeper
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Llewellyn Rees
as Horace Brown
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Stuart Richman
as Evelyn's Friend
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John Sharp
as Mr. Bottomley
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Kevin Stoney
as C. Rivers Lane
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Ann Way
as Miss White
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Guy Manning
as Benton
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Kathy Staff
as Bombazine Woman
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Alan Starkey
as Train Guard
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Roger Avon
as Charles
