Dresser, The

Synopsis: A film adaptation by Ronald Harwood of his own play, based on the touring career of Donald Wolfit, for whom Harwood was the dresser. The story relates the complex relationship between Sir, an ageing Shakespearean actor-manager on a provincial tour of England during World War II, and Norman, his gay dresser. Their difficult but mutually dependent (if unacknowledged) relationship resembles that of Lear and the Fool. The film focuses strongly on ‘Sir’s’ performance of King Lear where he comes to see the resemblance between himself and the tragic role he plays. There are also quotations from several other plays and a brief performance of ‘Sir’ as Othello (the death scene) at the beginning of the film.
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Film; Video; Film. 16mm. col. 118 min.
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Year of release: 1983
Year of production: 1983
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Wolfit, Donald; Touring productions

Director

Peter Yates

Producer

Cinematographer

Screenplay

Music

Production Design

Stephen B. Grimes

Art Direction

Colin Grimes

Cast

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British Universities Film & Video Council