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The Servant

Play trailer Poster for The Servant Released Mar 16, 1964 1h 57m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 52 Reviews 89% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
Posh Tony (James Fox) hires the seemingly proper and very attentive Barrett (Dirk Bogarde) as his manservant. Soon Tony's lady friend, Susan (Wendy Craig) disapproves of the ever-unflappable Barrett, which causes a strain in the couple's relationship. When Barrett's "sister" Vera (Sarah Miles) arrives to stay, the situation descends into depravity, with the servant vying to become the new master of the house.
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The Servant

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Critics Consensus

Thanks in no small part to stellar work from director Joseph Losey and screenwriter Harold Pinter, The Servant strikes at class divisions with artful precision.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher Times (UK) The drama is masterfully done and exquisitely played... Rated: 4/5 Sep 10, 2021 Full Review TIME Staff TIME Magazine The film on its most meaningful level is acid splashed into the wound of class distinction. But it is best enjoyed simply as a slick, spooky, frequently spellbinding study of corruption. Apr 8, 2020 Full Review John Russell Taylor Sight & Sound Even at his worst Losey is never dull, and here he is pretty consistently at his best. Apr 8, 2020 Full Review Diana Tuova Spotlight on Film Its theme of roles’ reversal, intriguing character studies and subtle politics of power and control make it one of Britain’s most memorable cinematic creations. Rated: 4.5/5 Aug 9, 2024 Full Review Penelope Gilliatt Observer (UK) The thing that is most exhilarating about the film is that it has been written by someone who is obviously excited by the cinema and made by someone who obviously respects words. Mar 7, 2024 Full Review James Kendrick Q Network Film Desk a twisted, dark, and wildly unpredictable psychodrama Rated: 3/4 Oct 6, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Davide l Reminiscent of Gaslight's early and valiant attempt at describing and highlighting particular oddities arising in the constrained human dynamics of living in boxes and depending on money for a living. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/16/23 Full Review Shioka O Classy drama about UK class corruption. Beautifully filmed and meticulously directed. Great acting by British actors, particularly by Bogarde, showing he can do anything. It's slow and I half slept until the middle, but gripping after that twist revealing Barrett's desire. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review Audience Member this movie does not seem like it was made in the 60's. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Audience Member Darkly, subversively, insubordinate, this is a film that challenges the orthodox as a servant preys on the mental fragilities of his employer in order to usurp him. No doubt regarded as sinisterly challenging in its day, it still has a lot to say. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review william d Well, that was different. I like different. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review s r 1001 movies to see before you die. This one pitted class against class, breaking down the barriers between working and aristocrat in England. It was painful at times, but it was still an interesting movie. RUS. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Servant

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The Servant

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Movie Info

Synopsis Posh Tony (James Fox) hires the seemingly proper and very attentive Barrett (Dirk Bogarde) as his manservant. Soon Tony's lady friend, Susan (Wendy Craig) disapproves of the ever-unflappable Barrett, which causes a strain in the couple's relationship. When Barrett's "sister" Vera (Sarah Miles) arrives to stay, the situation descends into depravity, with the servant vying to become the new master of the house.
Director
Joseph Losey, Joseph Losey
Producer
Joseph Losey, Norman Priggen
Screenwriter
Harold Pinter
Distributor
Landau Releasing Organization (LRO)
Production Co
Elstree, Springbok Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 16, 1964, Wide
Rerelease Date (Theaters)
Mar 11, 2022
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 7, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$20.7K
Runtime
1h 57m
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