“The Entertainer 1960” is a poignant British drama about a fading music hall performer struggling with his own relevance as modern society marches on. The story is like a bittersweet song, capturing the melancholy of a bygone era and the longing for the past. The lead character’s decline is like watching the slow fade of an old photograph, fading away into obscurity and insignificance. Despite its somber tone, “The Entertainer 1960” is a gripping and moving film that showcases the power of human emotion in all its complexity.
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Review
The Entertainer, a 1960 British drama film directed by Tony Richardson, follows the story of the decline of an ageing music hall performer, Archie Rice. Starring the legendary Laurence Olivier as Archie Rice, the film delves into themes of family dysfunction, social decay and political disillusionment.
The film is set against the backdrop of post-war Britain and captures the cultural shift towards television entertainment. The once-popular music hall is on its last legs and Archie Rice and his family are struggling to adapt to the changing times. His daughter Jean (Joan Plowright) is politically active and disapproves of her father’s desperate attempts to stay relevant in a society that no longer values his talent.
One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its commentary on class and social stratification in Britain. Archie is a working-class performer who dreams of success, but he is ultimately held back by his status and lack of education. He is caught between two worlds, unable to reconcile his ambition with his roots.
The Entertainer is also notable for its use of black-and-white cinematography. The stark contrast between light and dark creates an atmosphere that perfectly reflects the bleakness of post-war Britain. The film’s score, composed by John Addison, features hauntingly beautiful melodies that add to the overall mood.
Laurence Olivier gives a career-defining performance as Archie Rice. He portrays him as a deeply flawed man who struggles to come to terms with his own shortcomings. His performance earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Joan Plowright shines as Jean, bringing a sense of empathy and warmth to her character’s political beliefs. Brenda de Banzie gives a nuanced portrayal of Archie’s long-suffering wife Phoebe, who tries her best to hold her family together despite their differences.
Despite its critical success, The Entertainer received its fair share of criticism. Some felt that the film was too depressing and lacked any sense of hope. Others found fault with the pacing of the film, which can be slow at times.
However, these criticisms are largely unfounded. The Entertainer is a powerful and thought-provoking film that has withstood the test of time. It remains relevant to this day, as we continue to grapple with issues surrounding social class and political disillusionment.
In conclusion, The Entertainer is a must-watch for anyone interested in British cinema. It offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history and explores themes that are still relevant today. With its exceptional cast, haunting score and black-and-white cinematography, it is a masterful work of filmmaking that deserves to be celebrated. As Archie Rice himself once said, “Life’s just one crush after another until you get to love.” And in The Entertainer, we see how true that sentiment can be.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 96
- Release : 1960-07-25
- Genre : Drama, Music
- Cast : Laurence Olivier as Archie Rice, Brenda De Banzie as Phoebe Rice, Roger Livesey as Billy Rice, Joan Plowright as Jean Rice, Alan Bates as Frank Rice
- Crew : Harry Saltzman as Producer, Jocelyn Rickards as Costume Designer, Oswald Morris as Director of Photography, Maude Spector as Casting, Peter Yates as Assistant Director
- Popularity 5.047
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Woodfall Film Productions
- Summary : Archie Rice, an old-time British vaudeville performer sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business.
- Tagline : As the applause grew fainter … As the spotlight grew dimmer … His women were younger!
