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The Entertainer is a British drama film from 1960, directed by Tony Richardson and starring Laurence Olivier, Brenda de Banzie and Roger Livesey. It is a powerful and poignant story of a family in crisis, set against the backdrop of post-war Britain. The film revolves around the character of Archie Rice, played by Olivier, a fading music hall performer who has seen better days. Archie lives in a state of denial and is constantly trying to convince himself and those around him that he is still a success, despite the fact that he is facing bankruptcy and personal turmoil. He is a man who is haunted by his past, resentful of his present, and uncertain of his future.

Archie's family is also in a state of disarray. His wife Phoebe, played by de Banzie, is struggling with her own inner demons, as she tries to hold her family together. Their son Frank, played by Alan Bates, is a disillusioned and bitter young man who has been scarred by the war and is trying to find his place in the world.

As the film progresses, we see the complexity of Archie's character and the consequences of his actions. He is a deeply flawed man who has hurt those closest to him, and he is unable to see the damage he has caused. As Archie desperately tries to hold onto his dreams of success, he is forced to confront the realities of his life and the people he has hurt along the way.

The film is set against the backdrop of the Suez Crisis of 1956, and it captures the mood and atmosphere of the time. The characters are struggling with the aftermath of the war, the decline of the music hall industry, and the changing cultural landscape of post-war Britain.

The Entertainer is a powerful and poignant film that explores the themes of family, identity, and the human condition. It is a film that asks us to confront our own flaws and the impact of our actions on others. The performances by the cast are exceptional, especially that of Olivier who delivers a tour-de-force performance as the fading music hall performer.

The film's score is also noteworthy, featuring the classic song "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin. The song serves as a powerful metaphor for the film's themes and encapsulates the character of Archie Rice.

Overall, The Entertainer is a classic British drama that is as relevant today as it was in 1960. It is a film that asks us to look at ourselves with honesty and compassion, and to confront the complex realities of the human experience.