Quartet (1981)

Quartet (1981)
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No relation to the 1949 Somerset Maugham "omnibus" film of the same name, 1981's Quartet is based on the roman a clef by Jean Rhys. Though the names are changed, it is clearly the story of Rhys' romance with Ford Maddox Ford in 1920s Paris. The titular quartet consists of novelist Isabelle Adjani, her Polish husband Anthony Higgins, wealthy philanderer Alan Bates and Bates' artist wife Maggie Smith. Though she's been indulgent of Higgins's past indiscretions, Smith isn't keen on her husband carrying on an affair with Adjani under their own roof. Meanwhile, Higgins sits in prison, jailed for his various petty thefts. Once Higgins is released, he learns about the Bates-Adjani-Smith contretemps. When the dust settles, it is Adjani who suffers the most. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Alan BatesMaggie Smith, (more)
Director(s):
James Ivory
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Quartet

No relation to the 1949 Somerset Maugham "omnibus" film of the same name, 1981's Quartet is based on the roman a clef by Jean Rhys. Though the names are changed, it is clearly the story of Rhys' romance with Ford Maddox Ford in 1920s Paris. The titular quartet consists of novelist Isabelle Adjani, her Polish husband Anthony Higgins, wealthy philanderer Alan Bates and Bates' artist wife Maggie Smith. Though she's been indulgent of Higgins's past indiscretions, Smith isn't keen on her husband carrying on an affair with Adjani under their own roof. Meanwhile, Higgins sits in prison, jailed for his various petty thefts. Once Higgins is released, he learns about the Bates-Adjani-Smith contretemps. When the dust settles, it is Adjani who suffers the most. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
101 mins

Complete Cast of Quartet


Director(s):
James Ivory
Writer(s):
James IvoryRuth Prawer Jhabvala
Producer(s):
Ismail MerchantJean Pierre Maho de la QuerantonnaisJean-Pierre Mahot
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Questionable for Children, Adult Situations)
Quartet Awards:
  • 1981 - Cannes Film Festival - Best Actress
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Member Reviews
     
    Alicia C.

    True to Jean Rhys's books, it's not happy, it's not suppose to end well. I do not know how faithful to the book the movie is. Frontal male nudity warning.

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    Elizabeth E.

    This dark and depressing movie features 4 sad people; and no ones, including the viewer, gets much enlightenment from this stroy. There are a few lively spots in some of the 20's night clubs with some jazzy music, but this cannot save the actors or the movie. What were Merchant & Ivory thinking???

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