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The Entertainer
1960
Laurence Olivier shocked audiences accustomed to seeing him in Shakespeare or period romances when he joined forces with the two defining figures of Britain's New Wave kitchen-sink realism, director Tony Richardson and playwright John Osborne, by starring as third-rate seaside comedian Archie Rice in the latter's lacerating .. Read more
| Starring | Laurence Olivier, Alan Bates, Joan Plowright, Albert Finney |
|---|---|
| Director | Tony Richardson |
| Genres | Drama, Music/Musical |
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The Entertainer
Laurence Olivier shocked audiences accustomed to seeing him in Shakespeare or period romances when he joined forces with the two defining figures of Britain's New Wave kitchen-sink realism, director Tony Richardson and playwright John Osborne, by starring as third-rate seaside comedian Archie Rice in the latter's lacerating play. The arrogant, hypocritical, and lecherous performer is playing out the remainder of his days leading a revue at a moribund seaside resort. In the pathetic quality of his singing, acting, and humour, the declining Archie is clearly intended by its author as a symbol of post-WWII England. Yet he still has enough energy to make life as miserable for his family as it is for him. He cajoles his son, Frank (Alan Bates), into volunteering to fight in Suez, against his will; gets money from his dying father to fund his next show; and cheats on his alcoholic wife, Phoebe (Brenda de Banzie), with beauty contest winner Tina Lapford (Shirley Anne Field). When his daughter arrives unexpectedly, Archie is forced to face the fabric of deceit he has created to survive. Olivier leads a stellar cast in this still-unsettling film, playing the repellent Archie with memorable intensity.
| Starring | Laurence Olivier, Alan Bates, Joan Plowright, Albert Finney, Thora Hird, Shirley Ann Field, Daniel Massey, Brenda De Banzie, Roger Livesey |
|---|---|
| Director | Tony Richardson |
| Studio | MGM ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 39 mins LOVEFiLM Instant: 1 hr 43 mins |
| Certificate |  DVD LOVEFiLM Instant |
| Genres | Drama, Music/Musical |
| Language | DVD: English LOVEFiLM Instant: English |
| Released | Production year: 1960 To Watch Online: LOVEFiLM Instant: 24 Jul 2010 To Rent: DVD: 01 Mar 2004 |
| Watch now | Included in all packages with LOVEFiLM Instant. Subscribe. |
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Critic's review
View all critics' reviews (2) -
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Even with Olivier repeating his stage triumph, or perhaps because of it, this tragi-comedy remains defiantly theatrical and does not take wing on film.
- 33087
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- Halliwell's Film Guide
- 02 Mar 2006 at 15:43
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Most helpful member's review
View all members' reviews (8) -
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- 1
- 0
Odd, but entertaining...
Lawrence Olivier is not 'himself' in this film, at least he is not in any of the recognisable guises his fans had come to expect...That's the best ... read more »
- 307383
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[Highly rated reviewer]
- Maryco
- UK
- 07 Aug 2004 at 22:10
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Most recent members' reviews
View all members' reviews (8) -
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- 0
- 0
A beautifully crafted film on all fronts
A beautifully crafted film on all fronts. Great ensemble performances, even from Olivier, who doesn’t steel the show. With its theme of run down seaside ... read more »
- 1059328
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[Highly rated reviewer]
- RamoneofIlford
- 24 reviews
- Ilford
- 06 Nov 2011 at 14:50
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- 0
- 1
The Entertainer
very english black and white movie. good for a sunday wet afternoon. interesting to see the young british actors. sad, slow and theatrical.
- 694187
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- a customer
- Sale
- 23 Jan 2009 at 22:57
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- 0
- 0
A sad tale well told
What a great film of the play - Oivier & Plowright are always a treat - but just watch all these new kids on the block joining in at the start of their ... read more »
- 509178
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- Tedesco
- 28 reviews
- Epsom
- 04 Jan 2008 at 23:27
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The Entertainer
Laurence Olivier shocked audiences accustomed to seeing him in Shakespeare or period romances when he joined forces with the two defining figures of Britain's New Wave kitchen-sink realism, director Tony Richardson and playwright John Osborne, by starring as third-rate seaside comedian Archie Rice ...
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