The Dresser (1983)

Set in the tumultuous backdrop of early 1940s Britain, "The Dresser" (1983) unfolds the drama of a Shakespearean theater troupe on tour, guided by the iron fist of Sir (Albert Finney), the brilliant yet tyrannical lead actor. Obsessed with keeping himself in the limelight, he meticulously plans the troupe's schedule, with each stop featuring a different Shakespearean play, always with him in the lead. Sir's closest ally is an unassuming man named Norman (Sir Tom Courtenay), who, for sixteen years, has faithfully served as Sir's dresser. The timid Norman's responsibilities extend far beyond dressing Sir. He acts as a personal assistant, a morale booster, a confidante, and a caregiver, all while keeping his boss ready for the limelight each night. Norman's unwavering dedication persists despite Sir's marriage to the troupe's lead actress and his domineering attitude that often draws ire from his fellow actors. Amid the chaos of the London blitz, the troupe's performance of King Lear in Bradford takes an unexpected turn. Early in the day, Sir suffers a nervous breakdown and is admitted to a local hospital, only to check himself out in time for the show. It falls onto Norman's slight shoulders to not only ensure that Sir is ready by curtain time but also to keep him together throughout the performance. As the evening unfolds, the backstage drama mirrors the pathos of King Lear, reaching a climactic crisis. Wracked with the stress of his job, Norman seeks solace in secret sips from a hidden mickey, his only relief in the whirlwind of theater chaos. By the end of the night, Norman is forced to confront harsh truths about his place in Sir's life, painting a deeper picture of devotion, sacrifice, and the harsh reality of showbiz.

The Dresser is a drama movie featuring Albert Finney.

The Dresser is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video and DIRECTV.

It is also possible to buy The Dresser on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.