The Dresser

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The Dresser

PG

Released Dec 6, 1983

1h 58m

Comedy

Drama

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100%

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16 Reviews

86%

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1,000+ Ratings

During World War II, an embittered actor known to others as Sir (Albert Finney) is well past his prime. Formerly a renowned performer, Sir must now settle for leading a shoddy troupe of aged actors and army rejects in performances of Shakespeare's greatest plays. His anxiety, regret and age begin to get the better of him, and his work starts to suffer. Only Norman (Tom Courtenay), a timid set dresser who is unfailingly devoted to Sir, can hold the show together as it threatens to collapse.

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

This is the best sort of drama, fascinating us on the surface with color and humor and esoteric detail, and then revealing the truth underneath.

Rated: 4/4

Oct 23, 2004

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…nominated for five Oscars in its day, The Dresser is something of a forgotten movie; Albert Finney’s majestic performance evoking the spirit of Donald Wolfit makes it well worth seeking out…

Rated: 4/5

Nov 16, 2024

Full Review

Quentin Crisp

Christopher Street

Outside of documentaries made at the time, I have never seen a picture that creates in such detail the bleakness of England during the Second World War.

May 6, 2024

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Kat Halstead

Common Sense Media

Oscar-nominated British drama has drinking, iffy language.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 20, 2021

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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.

Rated: B

Mar 8, 2011

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The showbiz drama should be especially appealing to theater lovers.

Rated: B-

Oct 28, 2008

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Brett C

So very very Beautiful ❤️

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Great for theater lovers and acting majors but it wasn’t for me. I’ll admit though the late Albert Finney gives an excellent performance.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/08/23

Full Review

lawrenceb56

Brilliant and under appreciated at the same time. Albert Finney, Tom Courtneay and a first rate ensemble. A gift for anyone who loves the theatre and especially for all of those who truly have the artists heart and a love of Shakespeare. Sad, but funny--painful at times but ultimately uplifting. Should always be remembered as a terrific thoughtful film at a time when terrific and thoughtful films were actually being made.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/21/23

Full Review

Alec B

This may be the definitive film about the relationship between actors and the people behind the scenes.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/10/23

Full Review

Shioka O

Over the top performance by the two leads. Drama of drama, interesting to see the glimpse of the backstage in UK theatre industry during WWII. I would be more enjoyed if I were into Shakespeare.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Between 3 and 3.5 stars. While 2015 version is more a tour-de-force between 2 great actors, this is more the description of the effort of the inner core of a company not to fall though the surrounding circumstances. Tom Courtenay is particullarly apoteosic.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

Full Review

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Peter Yates

Director

Albert Finney

Sir

Tom Courtenay

Norman

Edward Fox

Oxenby

Zena Walker

Her Ladyship

Eileen Atkins

Madge

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Synopsis

During World War II, an embittered actor known to others as Sir (Albert Finney) is well past his prime. Formerly a renowned performer, Sir must now settle for leading a shoddy troupe of aged actors and army rejects in performances of Shakespeare's greatest plays. His anxiety, regret and age begin to get the better of him, and his work starts to suffer. Only Norman (Tom Courtenay), a timid set dresser who is unfailingly devoted to Sir, can hold the show together as it threatens to collapse.

Director: Peter Yates
Producer: Peter Yates
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Goldcrest Films International
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 6, 1983, Original
Release Date (Streaming): May 25, 2010
Runtime: 1h 58m

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