The Entertainer (1960): Olivier's Masterful Decline in Drama

Simon (0:00)

Welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. I'm Simon. Let's review The Entertainer.

The Entertainer, directed by Tony Richardson, and released in 1960, is a poignant drama that delves into the life of Archie Rice, played by Sir Laurence Olivier, a washed up music hall performer clinging to the remnants of his fading career. Set against the backdrop of a British seaside resort, the film paints a vivid picture of a man whose life is as dilapidated as the theatres he performs in. Archie, once a promising entertainer, now finds himself performing stale routines to dwindling audiences, his charm overshadowed by his mounting debts and personal failings. Archie's family life is as tumultuous as his career. His second wife, Phoebe Rice, played by Brenda De Banzie, is a long-suffering partner who drowns her sorrows in alcohol, aware of Archie's infidelities and financial woes. Their son, Frank Rice, played by Alan Bates, manages the backstage chaos, while Archie's father, Billy Rice, played by Roger Livesey, a retired vaudevillian, watches his son's decline with a mix of disdain and pity. The family dynamic is further complicated by the presence of Jean Rice, played by Joan Plowright, Archie's daughter from a previous marriage, who returns home from London to find her family on the brink of collapse. The film captures the essence of post-war Britain, a nation grappling with its own identity crisis, much like Archie himself. The music hall, once a symbol of entertainment and joy, now stands as a relic of a bygone era, mirroring Archie's struggle to remain relevant. Olivier's portrayal of Archie is nothing short of masterful, earning him an Oscar nomination. He embodies the character's desperation and charisma, making Archie both repulsive and oddly endearing. His performance is complemented by a strong supporting cast, including Brenda De Banzie's portrayal of the beleaguered Phoebe and Roger Livesey's depiction of the once great Billy Rice.

The screenplay, adapted by John Osborne and Nigel Neal from Osborne's play, retains the stage's intensity, though some critics argue that the film's theatrical roots occasionally hinder its cinematic flow. Despite this, the film's location shooting adds a layer of authenticity, capturing the bleakness of the seaside town and the decaying grandeur of the music halls.

The Entertainer is a film that resonates with its audience, offering a glimpse into the life of a man who uses humour as a shield against his failures. It is a story of ambition, delusion and the inevitable passage of time, with Archie Rice standing as a tragic figure caught in the relentless tide of change. While the film may not be perfect, its exploration of human frailty and the pursuit of dreams makes it a compelling watch, anchored by Olivier's unforgettable performance. That brings us to the end of my review of The Entertainer, and I'm giving it three and a half stars out of a possible five. Thank you for listening. If you've enjoyed what you've heard, please like, subscribe, and I hope to see you next time on Mindset Movie Reviews.