The Entertainer (Blu-ray) Directed by Tony Richardson Laurence Olivier plays Archie Rice, a mediocre music hall artist upholding a dying tradition in an English seaside town. Tony Richardson originally directed Laurence Olivier as Rice in the Royal Court's theatre production, and did so again in this, his second feature. The seedy world which Archie Rice occupies could be seen to represent the general malaise of post-war Britain, previously explored by writer John Osborne in his play Look Back in Anger, adapted for the screen by Nigel Kneale in 1959. Kneale subsequently went on to co-write The Entertainer with Osborne. Olivier is supported by a superb cast including a young Alan Bates as his son, Roger Livesey as his kindly, now retired, always more talented and popular father, and Joan Plowright as his daughter. The remarkable cast also features Daniel Massey, Shirley Anne Field, Thora Hird and Charles Gray. Olivier's portrayal of a man coming undone at the seams and revealing the emptiness inside, is a revelation. It changed the public's perception of him, introducing him to a new younger audience, and garnered him yet another Oscar® nomination. Special features George Devine Memorial Play: The Entertainer - Sequences One and Two (1966, 6 mins, 5 mins) David Frost-produced film, directed by Peter Whitehead, capturing a stage performance in memory of the late Royal Court director, starring Laurence Olivier O Dreamland (1953, 13 mins): Lindsay Anderson's (If...., This Sporting Life) Free Cinema film shot at Margate's iconic amusement parkli> Archive shorts from Topical Budget and Mitchell and Kenyon (1900-1929, total 15 mins): rare footage of turn-of-the century Morecambe, featuring scenes along the promenade and piers, as well as a visit to the 1929 Morecambe CarnivalLancashire Coast (1957, 15 mins): the charms of England's north-west, from Morecambe and Southport to the Pilling Marches Stills galleryIllustrated booklet with essays by Steven Hess and Vic Pratt, plus full film creditsUK | 1960 | black and white | 103 minutes | English language with optional hard-of-hearing subtitles | original aspect ratio 1.66:1 | BD50: 1080p, 24fps, PCM dual mono audio (48kHz/24-bit), region B |
N**R
THE ENTERTAINER BLU RAY
This tells the story of Archie Rice (Olivier) a star on the music hall circuit, television is becoming more popular so "old fashioned" entertainment is dying out. His daughter Jean (Joan Plowright) returns home because of a personal crisis. Archies second wife Phoebe is aware of her husbands many affairs. One of his sons (Albert Finney) is fighting in the Suez. whereas his other son Frank (Alan Bates) helps with the show. Despite his unflagging optimism a serious of tragic events unfold.
W**.
Recommended.
A solid print of a great film that isn’t quite up to the stage version but is still most impressive. The evocation of a period seaside resort is spot on and the acting, if a little OTT at times with some characters, is superb with the leads, Olivier, Bates and Plowright. Extras are very relevant too. So, all in all, this is a first rate purchase. Highly recommended.
T**N
Great performances, and what a nostalgic backdrop!
A superb study in loneliness and getting in over your head. Larry makes Archie reprehensible and sympathetic at the same time, quite a feat.Just take a look as well at the faces of people in the background. Early, very early, sixties Morecambe brought to life again and as fresh on blu-ray as if it was filmed yesterday.
F**N
laurence olivier gem
what a great film! from start to finish the power of the story within never fails to deliver.An excellent cast and a story of a man seemingly hellbent on self destruction as he battles with the demons of self delusion and the end of the vaudevillian actor. On stage as Archie Rice, Laurence Olivier delivers sadness and cynicim with one breath. He is determined to elude the Inland Revenue,engage in affairs with teenage wannabees, and even persuade his old father to appear on stage with him.His marriage is on the rocks and his daughter seems resigned to father's illusions. It travels a rocky path, and provides a fascinating insight into the world of early 1960's seaside theatre.It is one of Olivier's masterpieces and was one of his personal favourites. Watch it and enjoy the journey from illusion to ruin.
N**H
Great film well presented
I have been looking for this film for a long time and was well rewarded for my wait! It captures a way of life long past with a superb performance from Laurence Oliver.
M**X
Dated but interesting film
Laurence Olivier singing and dancing! Despite the cover sleeve being on colour, this is a gritty black and white film set in the north of England, Morecambe to be exact, which shows many aspects of the town that, sadly, no longer exist. It is somewhat dated but for those who want to look back on what a northern seaside resort looked like with its throngs of holiday makers, piers, theatres and a great array of British film stars then this is the film to watch.
A**R
Lovely film .
Lovely film with a smashing cast. Very enjoyable. I would recommend it.
B**H
Disappointing
Watched this film with great expectations only to be really let down.
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