The Dresser
“What happens backstage is always true drama. And often pure comedy.”
Synopsis
In a touring Shakespearean theater group, a backstage hand - the dresser - is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company. He struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company struggles to carry on during the London Blitz. The pathos of his backstage efforts rival the pathos in the story of Lear and the Fool that is being presented on-stage, as the situation comes to a crisis.
Top Cast
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Albert Finney
Sir
Tom Courtenay
Norman
Edward Fox
Oxenby
Zena Walker
Her Ladyship
Eileen Atkins
Madge
Michael Gough
Frank Carrington
Cathryn Harrison
Irene
Betty Marsden
Violet Manning
Sheila Reid
Lydia Gibson
Lockwood West
Geoffrey Thornton
Donald Eccles
Mr. Godstone
Llewellyn Rees
Horace Brown
Guy Manning
Benton
Anne Blackman
Beryl
Kevin Stoney
C. Rivers Lane
Ann Way
Miss White
John Sharp
Mr. Bottomley
Kathy Staff
Bombazine Woman
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 6, 1983
Wide Cinema Exhibition
April 15, 2004
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Peter Yates
- Screenplay & Story
- Ronald Harwood
- Original Score
- James Horner
- Original Title
- The Dresser
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 58m
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Peter Yates
Ronald Harwood
James Horner
Kelvin Pike
Ray Lovejoy
Peter Yates, Ronald Harwood
Department Leadership Roster
Peter Yates
Director
Peter Yates
Producer
Ronald Harwood
Producer
Ronald Harwood
Screenplay
Kelvin Pike
Director of Photography
Ray Lovejoy
Editor
Stephen B. Grimes
Production Design
James Horner
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Dresser.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Dresser.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Dresser
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Dresser about?
In a touring Shakespearean theater group, a backstage hand - the dresser - is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company. He struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company struggles to carry on during the London Blitz. The pathos of his backstage efforts rival the pathos in the story of Lear and the Fool that is being presented on-stage, as the situation comes to a crisis.
Who directed The Dresser?
The Dresser was directed by Peter Yates.
Who stars in The Dresser?
The principal cast of The Dresser includes Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay, Edward Fox, Zena Walker, Eileen Atkins.
When was The Dresser released and how long is it?
The Dresser was released in 1983 with a total runtime of 1h 58m.
Who composed the musical score for The Dresser?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Dresser was composed by James Horner.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Dresser?
The Dresser holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).