I miss the 1970s. When production value and broadcasting allowed for quiet pause and contemplation. Today the world moves much too fast for comprehension. From the instant gratification of social media and its dumbing down comforts of instant gratification. Newcomers under 40s have no idea what they missed.
I get it. And thank you. It's quite nice to read a comment that's simply nostalgic without laying waste to new art, music, etc. Though I'm their age and beyond, I mean those who transmit the equivalent of, well Luddites. (Albeit ones who have no qualms using technology that enables them to complain at warp speed.) Here's to irony. And, because they suddenly popped into my head, here's to the scent of violets, the sound of old trains, hand fans and pinwheels just for the sparkling non-electric joy of it. Paz y luz ✨️
In those days TV was still in it's infancy and was highly influenced by theatre. These early TV shows do have a live theatrical quality to them. TV now is completely it's own medium. I do love the dramatic sense of these old shows but there's been some amazing TV made in the last years as well.
douglasmilton2805 ... do you feel, as I, that the dirty masses, broadly speaking, are being kept in their place by distraction - their heads filled with so much detritus to sift, they don't know which way is up? I'm certain that it's been broadly discussed in broadcasting circles for some time that, to give the masses astute and reasoned subjects to understand, makes them dangerous. To quote Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider, "You start telling people they ain't free, that's when they start killing and maiming".
douglasmilton2805 ... do you feel, as I, that the dirty masses, broadly speaking, are being kept in their place by distraction - their heads filled with so much detritus to sift, they don't know which way is up? I'm certain that it's been broadly discussed in broadcasting circles for some time that, to give the masses astute and reasoned subjects to understand, makes them dangerous. To quote Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider, "You start telling people they ain't free, that's when they start killing and maiming".
douglasmilton2805 ... do you feel, as I, that the dirty masses, broadly speaking, are being kept in their place by distraction - their heads filled with so much detritus to sift, they don't know which way is up? I'm certain that it's been broadly discussed in broadcasting circles for some time that, to give the masses astute and reasoned subjects to understand, makes them dangerous. I've also found my comments sometimes disappear with an algorithm, just in case.
The thing about Pinter is he used to write all his best lines on the bus. Either he overheard them or he made them up himself. I know this for a fact because I used to cut his hair. When he wasn’t looking...
In this dramatic classic masterpiece, the 4 actors make up a perfect square of acting genius,but it all goes back to Mr Pinter's theatrical writing in which the language captivates the listener more than the events acted out .Such a nice chance to see some of the greatest actors in British theatre ,TV and film.
@Super Amanda Malcom McDowell was really good in Time After Time (1979) a movie I discovered about a year ago. Alan Bates is a good actor too, he was great in The Rose (1979).
+tacman1974 I've always wanted to see a good stage production of this film. A very similar film/play is titled "The Shadowbox" and I've seen the great film with Joann Woodward and Christopher Plummer and several stage adaptations of it...and I suggest this film to you since you like this film here. ...And this film here is an excellent teleplay by these excellent actors here in this film who are also known for their great stage work.
10/2023:Most interesting. I've always thought that Helen is lovely. This is the youngest that I have seen her I think. I first saw Malcolm in Clockwork Orange, the nite before I entered the USAF back in 1972. One of my favourite movies of all time. Very Good Acting by all. Thank You for posting this excellent play. Something new for me to enjoy. Best Regards.
This was actually shown on CBS. Can you even imagine that today? At the time Olivier said this was "the most beautiful" piece he'd ever been involved with. A TV production professor I knew used it in his classes; he'd introduce it by saying "I don't know how to define great acting, but here's some."
The most powerful (and uncomfortable) part of this play was how the power (and menace) of each character fluctuated throughout; incredible to think tension can be created and maintained this way
I'm usually acutely attentive to every word of Harold Pinter's and grateful that he makes no attempt to soothe me, to reassure me. We humans are so generous with the complex misunderstandings we have, i.e. lies we tell ourselves. I am grateful for all the works of Harold Pinter and his Collection.
So many revealed, spoken and unspoken thoughts, vulnerabilities and emotions. What a marvellous cast to show us them all. Cruelty, control, provocation and domination are central motivations. The baton of power gets passed from character to character at different times. I thoroughly enjoyed it although feel Bates' character's concession in the final scene was totally incongruous.
He was looking to Helen Mirren's character to draw a line under the wretched episode, but she wasn't willing to bring closure: out of spite, duplicity, connivance, vulnerability, pride? - The vicious cycle continues. Irresolution seems an apt conclusion.
Last few lines: "we just talked about it... For two hours... Did nothing". That was this play! "You didn't do anything did you?". Right! I've spent an entire hour watching superb acting about... NOTHING.
I've re-watched this many times since finding it a couple of years back. The wife of the clothing shop owner is the least realized in this but maybe she was meant to be. I think the absolute best part of this was when Olivier dives in off screen but his voice heard like a jump cut and saves Malcolm from probably getting killed because it really looked like Bates was going there but he was just giddy over the fact that he could easily toy with Malcolm. Olivier's monologue about Malcolm being from the wrong side of the tracks and therefore can't help but cause trouble and comparing him to a slug has a real vicious sting to it. The way Olivier went back and forth from hating and feeling sorry for Malcolm simultaneously was some really amazing acting. Just from his monologue in this scene, I get why Olivier gets so much love. Can never get enough of Malcolm's big shiny eyes!
The genius of Pinter! All those subtle lines...the amazing bit about the newspaper! The incredible subtle magnificence of the lines about the olives! And the character of Bill saying for the umpteenth time, "I'll tell you what REALLY happened". The suspense! I can't take this level of great writing, it is too much for my little average mind!
I came of age in these years so remember them fondly, minus the harsher events of those times. Like any other era, it was good and bad mixed, but I have to say the language still had some elegance when it came to most literature and theater and people, for the most part, behaved a trifle more civilized for lack of a better descriptor. Certainly not this Brave New World.
Pinter is for sophisticated, intelligent people. Others will not like him, not enough violence, action, or understand what he is doing. I hate to sound so prissy, but it is true.
@@brucerobbins3584 Wow, there's plenty of violence. It's all psychological, though. All the microaggressions of "polite" talk. Really love this play. Superb performances.
Harold Pinter has the gift of presenting the emptiness and pretence of human importance in speech and actions in so many varieties of forms. Indeed, it seems that our present civilization with a claim to high evolution, remains much in the control of childish men proud of wealth and professional status, merely a collection of people, rather than of unique personal individuation.
What an absolutely amazing cast and great playwright/play, just wish the direction was a bit better. But wow, what a brilliant cast - Olivier, Mirren, Bates, McDowell, all together! Superb!
there's a little Pinter in Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The language games, the torture. "I'll bet you're a wow at parties." "I wouldn't say I'm a wow."
Unfortunately the times gave changed uncontrollably and much of our true heritage has been lost. Glad to see these find actors and the cream of British plays
@@dafunkfiend. The Caretaker was awful! I did watch it all the way through but only because it’s a classic, so I thought I ought to see it at least once, from an educational point of view.
What an absolute treat! Can’t believe I didn’t discover your upload sooner. Haven’t seen this for donkey’s years and, once more, found myself utterly delighted by such excellent performances, direction and writing. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all 😊❤.
@Parsley1000: Yep, no one smirks quite like MM, makes you feel inferior with one haughty look, casually utters insults with a smile and posh accent! He often looks mildly disgusted, as if he has smelled something nasty at a cocktail party, but is too polite to make a comment. Always liked his acting, not necessarily every movie, though. Yes, l mean the very steamy one. 😳🥺
Thanks so much for putting this up. I saw this on the Beeb when it aired the first time in the 70s and have been obsessed with the play ever since. I know most of it by heart. Astonishing cast. Amazed at the amount of people here who don’t seem to like it. Maybe not enough guns or explosions for them. Too bad.
By heart?Quite an achievement: the drama and also you learning most if it. I have a daughter who does that when she watches a film again again... she repeats every line. Do you have any favourite lines?
@@bingola45 Wouldn't say it's peak Olivier, Bates, Mirren or McDowell, but as a short piece it works well. Malc especially, & Mirren at peak allure (FWIW), possibly
I love this. I love the part where Bill answers the phone and after confirming it's him Jimmy says "are you in?" Well duh! He answered the phone. Lol!!!! And those close ups on Malcolm, very very good.
Clever? I got bored out of my mind listening to the ping pong exchange imagining these upper crust snobs trying to 'out quip' each other on a rainy afternoon in an English manor. People with very average IQs trying so hard to be 'clever'. This exchange is FAR from intelligent!
The homoerotic subtext, if it can be called that, is a bit over-the-top if not gratingly obvious - the cheese knives bit is a bit cheesy - though no doubt for 1960, when the work was written, it may not have been as readily transparent for mainstream audiences who saw it performed. Still, a surprisingly forward-thinking scenario that gives us a gay and straight couple interacting without plodding moral commentary. Pinter was well ahead of the curve as a social observer; his metaphors less so.
Alan Bates had a perfect nose, such a silly and shallow observation, but I don't think I've ever seen a finer snout! His Claudius (Gibson's Hamlet) and Michael Henchard (Potter's The Mayor of Casterbridge) are well worth a look, if viewers want to see more of this much-missed actor.
I miss the 1970s. When production value and broadcasting allowed for quiet pause and contemplation. Today the world moves much too fast for comprehension. From the instant gratification of social media and its dumbing down comforts of instant gratification. Newcomers under 40s have no idea what they missed.
I get it. And thank you. It's quite nice to read a comment that's simply nostalgic without laying waste to new art, music, etc.
Though I'm their age and beyond, I mean those who transmit the equivalent of, well Luddites. (Albeit ones who have no qualms using technology that enables them to complain at warp speed.) Here's to irony.
And, because they suddenly popped into my head, here's to the scent of violets, the sound of old trains, hand fans and pinwheels just for the sparkling non-electric joy of it.
Paz y luz ✨️
In those days TV was still in it's infancy and was highly influenced by theatre. These early TV shows do have a live theatrical quality to them. TV now is completely it's own medium. I do love the dramatic sense of these old shows but there's been some amazing TV made in the last years as well.
I could watch Malcolm McDowell in anything. Such a unique actor.
He always made me a bit uneasy…in the best way. It’s hard to explain. Love his acting.🧐🎥🤩✨✨✨
It’s a bit astounding that great drama like this used to be par for the course on British TV. We’ve fallen a long way. Strictly Baking, anyone?
douglasmilton2805 ... do you feel, as I, that the dirty masses, broadly speaking, are being kept in their place by distraction - their heads filled with so much detritus to sift, they don't know which way is up? I'm certain that it's been broadly discussed in broadcasting circles for some time that, to give the masses astute and reasoned subjects to understand, makes them dangerous. To quote Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider, "You start telling people they ain't free, that's when they start killing and maiming".
douglasmilton2805 ... do you feel, as I, that the dirty masses, broadly speaking, are being kept in their place by distraction - their heads filled with so much detritus to sift, they don't know which way is up? I'm certain that it's been broadly discussed in broadcasting circles for some time that, to give the masses astute and reasoned subjects to understand, makes them dangerous. To quote Jack Nicholson in Easy Rider, "You start telling people they ain't free, that's when they start killing and maiming".
douglasmilton2805 ... do you feel, as I, that the dirty masses, broadly speaking, are being kept in their place by distraction - their heads filled with so much detritus to sift, they don't know which way is up? I'm certain that it's been broadly discussed in broadcasting circles for some time that, to give the masses astute and reasoned subjects to understand, makes them dangerous. I've also found my comments sometimes disappear with an algorithm, just in case.
I loved the bit about the slum and the snail. Olivier must have had to rehearse that a lot before he could deliver it without bursting out laughing!
I've never seen Malcolm or Helen this young, Everyone is so good looking. TALENTED. Pinter has such a unique voice, flair.
Helen Mirren was NEARLY this young in Excalibur a few years after this. She was a hottie!
Still is
In her way.
She was in a BBC production of Midsummer Night’s Dream in 1968. It was broadcast in the US at that time. It’s on UA-cam.
Helen Mirren was the sex 💣 bomb of the Royal Shakespeare Company. She was a great presence on the stage before moving into TV and film.
Four great actors giving four terrific performances.
The thing about Pinter is he used to write all his best lines on the bus. Either he overheard them or he made them up himself. I know this for a fact because I used to cut his hair.
When he wasn’t looking...
That's funny 😂
In this dramatic classic masterpiece, the 4 actors make up a perfect square of acting genius,but it all goes back to Mr Pinter's theatrical writing in which the language captivates the listener more than the events acted out .Such a nice chance to see some of the greatest actors in British theatre ,TV and film.
I agree its a real treat!
Very well said indeed
love Pinter
In the end, we only believe what we want to believe. A superb and thought provoking production.
Some people!!! It's a tough world, no matter how much a person's head is in the sand they still know.
Malcolm McDowell again proves he’a one of the greatest actors of all time. He and Alan Bates both deserve reappraisals of their entire careers.
@Super Amanda Malcom McDowell was really good in Time After Time (1979) a movie I discovered about a year ago. Alan Bates is a good actor too, he was great in The Rose (1979).
@@CoopyKat " Rack jobbers rule! " 👍
That would have to include all the absolute stinkers he did in 'ollywood. I've no idea why.
@@CoopyKat I love Time after Time! Alan Bates is fantastic in GEORGEY GIRL and Ken Russell’s WOMEN IN LOVE too!
@@socialmeaslesinpartnership1252 his later career is like almost any other actor. Like John Gielgud, they keep working.
Omg Alan was so very good looking
Great play. Great cast. Can't get much better on this one!
Indeed!! Absolutely!!
+tacman1974
I've always wanted to see a good stage production of this film. A very similar film/play is titled "The Shadowbox" and I've seen the great film with Joann Woodward and Christopher Plummer and several stage adaptations of it...and I suggest this film to you since you like this film here. ...And this film here is an excellent teleplay by these excellent actors here in this film who are also known for their great stage work.
10/2023:Most interesting. I've always thought that Helen is lovely. This is the youngest that I have seen her I think. I first saw Malcolm in Clockwork Orange, the nite before I entered the USAF back in 1972. One of my favourite movies of all time. Very Good Acting by all. Thank You for posting this excellent play. Something new for me to enjoy. Best Regards.
Yes a young Macolm. I thought Helen was sexy, great figure. But not as pretty as she was.
This was actually shown on CBS. Can you even imagine that today? At the time Olivier said this was "the most beautiful" piece he'd ever been involved with. A TV production professor I knew used it in his classes; he'd introduce it by saying "I don't know how to define great acting, but here's some."
right, exactly.
But Robyn Daniels says it's tosh, and that's a selfproclaimed Mensa genius. So we all must go home dismayed.
@@helenlauer9545 Who's Robyn Daniels?
The most powerful (and uncomfortable) part of this play was how the power (and menace) of each character fluctuated throughout; incredible to think tension can be created and maintained this way
I'm usually acutely attentive to every word of Harold Pinter's and grateful that he makes no attempt to soothe me, to reassure me. We humans are so generous with the complex misunderstandings we have, i.e. lies we tell ourselves. I am grateful for all the works of Harold Pinter and his Collection.
Frig me, Bates, McDowell, and Olivier ! What a cast !
So many revealed, spoken and unspoken thoughts, vulnerabilities and emotions. What a marvellous cast to show us them all.
Cruelty, control, provocation and domination are central motivations. The baton of power gets passed from character to character at different times. I thoroughly enjoyed it although feel Bates' character's concession in the final scene was totally incongruous.
He was looking to Helen Mirren's character to draw a line under the wretched episode, but she wasn't willing to bring closure: out of spite, duplicity, connivance, vulnerability, pride? - The vicious cycle continues. Irresolution seems an apt conclusion.
Conceding that let him off the hook 😅
Sunday afternoon and a Pinter play. The only thing better would be the same production Monday through Saturday. Thank you for this. RIP Alan Bates.
I'm watching this on a Sunday afternoon as well.
@@lavanderflo Zoom, I watched this yesterday - a Friday. Does it matter?
Absolutely!!
I ADORE watching Pinters plays….so damn entertaining…love the bit about the slim and the snail!
cannot imagine people speaking like that today
Heaven on a Sunday morning......thanks to Mr Pinter. Excellent cast as well. Mr. Bates looking quite handsome.
Last few lines: "we just talked about it... For two hours... Did nothing". That was this play! "You didn't do anything did you?". Right! I've spent an entire hour watching superb acting about... NOTHING.
Mr Richie Kaye Yeah. Beats the he’ll out of Seinfeld.
The play isn't about NOTHING. The last lines imply a lack of trust
Pinter…becket…Stoppard
Plus the progressed version of the angry young Englishmen.
Yup Nothing
@@timopheim5479 Lack of trust and honesty. A devastating play. How words deceive.
Read : The Emperor's New Clothes. . by H C Andersen.
It will explain everything.
So enlightening to see MM becoming an all round versatile actor since his earlier parts in If and A Clockwork Orange.
A Clockwork Orange was horrifyingly violent and sadistic.
Wish Id never seen it.
And then unfortunately disappear down the Hollywood Hole.
@@user-rl3bn4ub7oagree
I've re-watched this many times since finding it a couple of years back. The wife of the clothing shop owner is the least realized in this but maybe she was meant to be. I think the absolute best part of this was when Olivier dives in off screen but his voice heard like a jump cut and saves Malcolm from probably getting killed because it really looked like Bates was going there but he was just giddy over the fact that he could easily toy with Malcolm. Olivier's monologue about Malcolm being from the wrong side of the tracks and therefore can't help but cause trouble and comparing him to a slug has a real vicious sting to it. The way Olivier went back and forth from hating and feeling sorry for Malcolm simultaneously was some really amazing acting. Just from his monologue in this scene, I get why Olivier gets so much love. Can never get enough of Malcolm's big shiny eyes!
The genius of Pinter! All those subtle lines...the amazing bit about the newspaper! The incredible subtle magnificence of the lines about the olives! And the character of Bill saying for the umpteenth time, "I'll tell you what REALLY happened". The suspense! I can't take this level of great writing, it is too much for my little average mind!
Ah well, you see, that's the GENIUS of Pinter! Shame he didn't mention that they were Kalamata olives. (Yawn...)
Maybe I can't take it because it is below my above average mind? Think I'll head over to Roald Dahl! Much more fun :)
Roald Dahl?…puhleez. Yes, head on over to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory…
Metaphorical olives? Black or green? Or stuffed? Ah, the pointlessness of life!!!
@@helenamaria710 I was thinking this was on the lines of 'Tales Of The Unexpected'
It's a shame Harold Pinter didn't write the screenplay for Eyes Wide Shut.
Never seen this before. Thanks to whoever uploaded it .
Pinter never wrote it down as a 'creation'. He and Olivier met by chance in a Salzburg hotel lobby and talked about it for two hours.
Nothing like this today. Something of the brilliant stuff of the 1970s. Lucky those who experienced that time.
I came of age in these years so remember them fondly, minus the harsher events of those times. Like any other era, it was good and bad mixed, but I have to say the language still had some elegance when it came to most literature and theater and people, for the most part, behaved a trifle more civilized for lack of a better descriptor. Certainly not this Brave New World.
Pinter is for sophisticated, intelligent people. Others will not like him, not enough violence, action, or understand what he is doing. I hate to sound so prissy, but it is true.
@@brucerobbins3584 Wow, there's plenty of violence. It's all psychological, though. All the microaggressions of "polite" talk. Really love this play. Superb performances.
Bruce Robbins So it is!
cohenhaywood10 Twat. He is simply, incontrovertibly right.
A true masterpiece by the master.
Fantastic production. Michael Apted's direction is terrific.
Great programme! I had to laugh when, 'Whitney Houston' rang the boutique! xxxx
@twinkle3026: It’s actually Whitney-Newsome, but yes, it gave me a chortle too.
I thought I was hearing things I was about to google her career then I thought I would check the comments first and now I know the truth. 😂
What a pleasure being in this must have been for the actors; all that delicious dialogue, and all those delicious...pauses! Thanks for posting.
Alan and Helen are in Gosford Park. Written by Julian Fellowes. Directed by Robert Altman. The whole cast is incredible.
Thank You for this fine film.great performances by all including the great Helen Mirren
Olivier was often quoted as saying that this is the best play I have bèn in.
Harold Pinter has the gift of presenting the emptiness and pretence of human importance in speech and actions in so many varieties of forms. Indeed, it seems that our present civilization with a claim to high evolution, remains much in the control of childish men proud of wealth and professional status, merely a collection of people, rather than of unique personal individuation.
HM has been stunning all her life in whatever guise
Thank You for having posted this rare gem.
Thanks so much for posting
Absolutely marvellous! Thank you uploader.
This play is just fucking perfect.
Thanks for uploading this little masterpiece
That's what I call a piece of art.
The old man really was a magician!!!
Love Pinter: so funny. Very many thanks for this.
thank you for sharing this, it's the best thing one could hope for
What an absolutely amazing cast and great playwright/play, just wish the direction was a bit better. But wow, what a brilliant cast - Olivier, Mirren, Bates, McDowell, all together! Superb!
Many thanks for uploading this Pinter gem.
Thank you for uploading this excellent piece!
Brilliant! Hilarious in a passive aggressive oh so English way. The humour of the whole production!
It Could be described as a comedy with menace ....
there's a little Pinter in Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The language games, the torture. "I'll bet you're a wow at parties." "I wouldn't say I'm a wow."
Unfortunately the times gave changed uncontrollably and much of our true heritage has been lost. Glad to see these find actors and the cream of British plays
...'the times gave changed uncontrollably'
'Glad to see these find actors'
Officer Crabtree.
Many thanks for posting, I missed this at the time. Granada TV at its finest. A filmic quality on video.
"Slum slug" lol my new favourite insult!
very entertaining play. thought provoking and leaves the viewer to draw their own conclusions. .....very clever.
This is the only Pinter play that I've managed to watch all the way through! Probably because of the great actors rather than the actual material.
Really? What about the 'Caretaker'? If this appealed to you, I'm sure that would.
@@dafunkfiend Thanks, da - that is next on my list!
@@dr.elizabethmartin7118 I believe Pinter was a man of the Left. He's not as good as Tennessee Williams.
@@dafunkfiend. The Caretaker was awful! I did watch it all the way through but only because it’s a classic, so I thought I ought to see it at least once, from an educational point of view.
Beautiful Malcolm. ❤❤❤
The cat was great in this😅 the idea of Lawrence and malcome,mind bogling brilliant cast😊
I saw this many, many years ago in TV. Very interesting even though I don't really quite get the point. Great seeing it again
Yup, I feel like that about all of his stuff. It's just like overhearing one long conversation.
Harold Pinter went on to write the screenplay for Sleuth. I can see why that appealed to him after writing this.
Thanks for posting, 6Mick. Can never have enough Pinter.
What a great cast.
I do hope there's a dripping ceiling with a bucket underneath it in this. I shall be very disappointed if there isn't.
The Caretaker - one of my favourites by Pinter.
Fantastic acting
Great piece, great acting. Thank you for posting this
Thanks ever so much for the upload!
What an absolute treat! Can’t believe I didn’t discover your upload sooner. Haven’t seen this for donkey’s years and, once more, found myself utterly delighted by such excellent performances, direction and writing. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all 😊❤.
Two great actors, Malcolm McDowell and Sir Laurence Olivier..A Clockwork Orange meets Sleuth.
.
I know MM sings in his bath at home now!
Strewth!
Absolute brilliance...!
I am not sure I would pass such an opportunity up with Malcolm McDowell in 1976.😃
Real😍
Great Performances indeed.
Thank you. Have seen this once before, but definitely worth a re-watch.
Great acting...the cat too 🐈
Thanks for uploading this. I have wanted to see this again.
awesome play, thank you
If this is any indication, there are as many roundabouts in British conversation as there are in London.
I guess this maintains my long record of never being able to get through a Pinter play.
A MASTERPIECE!
I found this play really chilling ......
Great stuff thanks for posting. Typical McDowell performance. Arrogant but charming.
@Parsley1000: Yep, no one smirks quite like MM, makes you feel inferior with one haughty look, casually utters insults with a smile and posh accent! He often looks mildly disgusted, as if he has smelled something nasty at a cocktail party, but is too polite to make a comment. Always liked his acting, not necessarily every movie, though. Yes, l mean the very steamy one. 😳🥺
Brilliant! Thanks!
Wow! So thats pinter. Good lord i have to find more of this. Like a high class episode of tales.of the unexpected
wow, not know miss mirren was so old
this goes way back...
congrats lady!
teenie beenie
She's a marvel. Love her!
Thanks so much for putting this up. I saw this on the Beeb when it aired the first time in the 70s and have been obsessed with the play ever since. I know most of it by heart. Astonishing cast.
Amazed at the amount of people here who don’t seem to like it. Maybe not enough guns or explosions for them. Too bad.
No. Don't need the guns and explosions. Just a bit less of Pinter's exasperating pseudo-dialogue would suffice.
By heart?Quite an achievement: the drama and also you learning most if it. I have a daughter who does that when she watches a film again again... she repeats every line. Do you have any favourite lines?
@@bingola45 Wouldn't say it's peak Olivier, Bates, Mirren or McDowell, but as a short piece it works well. Malc especially, & Mirren at peak allure (FWIW), possibly
I love this. I love the part where Bill answers the phone and after confirming it's him Jimmy says "are you in?" Well duh! He answered the phone. Lol!!!! And those close ups on Malcolm, very very good.
Very much of its time. Comes across as a sort of game with its artificiality.
Wonderful - thank you!
Oh, the banter here is so clever!
Clever? I got bored out of my mind listening to the ping pong exchange imagining these upper crust snobs trying to 'out quip' each other on a rainy afternoon in an English manor. People with very average IQs trying so hard to be 'clever'. This exchange is FAR from intelligent!
@cubomania3 Ha ha..I wish it had! Unfortunately it entered and bored the hell out of me :D
This is so creepy I don’t even have words for it
The word is “Tripe”.
In my opinion.
Pinter's plays drive me up the wall , lol
Today Commemorates Alan Bates' 85th Birthday
He was beautiful.
I wouldn’t waste 2 hours talking to Alan Bates I can tell you.
Hear, hear.
Brilliant.
Slum Slug! Love it!
Great acting--including the cat.
The cat had the best lines, IMO.
The homoerotic subtext, if it can be called that, is a bit over-the-top if not gratingly obvious - the cheese knives bit is a bit cheesy - though no doubt for 1960, when the work was written, it may not have been as readily transparent for mainstream audiences who saw it performed. Still, a surprisingly forward-thinking scenario that gives us a gay and straight couple interacting without plodding moral commentary. Pinter was well ahead of the curve as a social observer; his metaphors less so.
I found this cause I read old Times magazine from 1978
The most Proper confrontation ever!
... olives included !
superb acting, brilliant
Alan Bates had a perfect nose, such a silly and shallow observation, but I don't think I've ever seen a finer snout! His Claudius (Gibson's Hamlet) and Michael Henchard (Potter's The Mayor of Casterbridge) are well worth a look, if viewers want to see more of this much-missed actor.
I suppose he did , The Shout is good too
Does anyone know what piece of music bh Purcell it is your hear in the background when Bates wivits Mcdowell for te second time.?