The Entertainer
Seen it?1960 | 104 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (79% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office flop. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- One for anyone who likes a story with a soundtrack worth keeping and people who love a good family story. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. Same wavelength as Hamlet or Dancer in the Dark. Anyone with siblings or parents will recognize something here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Lets scenes breathe, at 1 hr 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1960: an older pace and style.
- Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.
Archie Rice, an old-time British vaudeville performer sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
79% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 37K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Tony Richardson
- Laurence OlivierArchie Rice
- Brenda De BanziePhoebe Rice
- Roger LiveseyBilly Rice
- Joan PlowrightJean Rice
- Alan BatesFrank Rice
- Daniel MasseyGraham
- Albert FinneyMick Rice
- Shirley Anne FieldTina Lapford
- Thora HirdMrs. Ada Lapford
- Miriam KarlinRenée Baxter