The Dresser

The Dresser intelligently combines tragedy and comedy in this drama based on Ronald Harwood's play about an ageing Shakespeare-actor called nothing but Sir and his homosexual man servant and dresser Norman.

The story takes place during WW2 when Sir's touring company of actors are struggling to measure up to pre-war standards. Sir is sick with worries and completely exhausted, but the show must go on - at least according to Norman who will do anything within his power to get Sir ready for tonight's performance of "King Lear".

Ronald Harwood should have worked more on changing The Dresser from a play into a film. Because of the few changes of setting the movie has become too static. Secondly the actors tend to play their parts as they would on a stage, but on film that becomes overacting.