The Dresser — U.S. Trailer

added: Fri, Mar 25th '16

For the first time in their illustrious careers, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Sir Ian McKellen are sharing the screen, playing a couple of old, bickering theatre performers in the television movie "The Dresser," which is set to air on the STARZ network in May.

Based on the critically acclaimed stage play by veteran playwright and Oscar-winning screenwriter Ronald Harwood (The Pianist), the movie is set in 1941, England and revolves entirely around a problematic production of King Lear.

Hopkins plays an ailing theatre star whose health is not only in decline but becomes more of an issue as his performance as King Lear becomes increasingly draining throughout the evening. McKellen, meanwhile, plays his long-time (and long-suffering) personal assistant who's much more than an ordinary "dresser." He's very much the backbone of the whole production and who's trying hard to make sure the play run smoothly from behind the scenes.

Directed by acclaimed English helmer Richard Eyre (Notes on a Scandal, Iris), "The Dresser" also stars Emily Watson, Edward Fox, and Sarah Lancashire. The British-made TV movie will make its U.S. debut on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, on STARZ. Watch the U.S. trailer, above.

synopsis:
In a touring Shakespearean theatre company, backstage hand "Norman" (Ian McKellen) is devoted to the brilliant but tyrannical head of the company, "Sir" (Anthony Hopkins). He struggles to support the deteriorating star as the company works to carry on during the London blitz during World War Two. The pathos of his backstage efforts rival the pathos in Shakespeare's story of Lear and the Fool from his play King Lear, which is being presented on stage, as the situation comes to a crisis.

directed by Richard Eyre

starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sir Ian McKellen, Emily Watson, Edward Fox, Sarah Lancashire

release date May 30, 2016 (on STARZ)

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The Dresser