Quartet (1981)

Theatrical Release Information  |  See Details About All Versions

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, All Movie Guide

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.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

101 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

James Ivory

Writer(s):

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, James Ivory

Producer(s):

Ismail Merchant, Jean-Pierre Mahot, Jean Pierre Maho de la Querantonnais

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Questionable for Children, Adult Situations)

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

• 1981 - Quartet - Cannes Film Festival - Best Actress