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Butley (1974)

Butley (1974)
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The American Film Theatre has made movies of a number of significant theatrical performances, including Laurence Olivier's Othello. Another of these filmed theatricals is Simon Gray's Butley, which was brought to the screen by playwright Harold Pinter, and which features an astonishing performance by Alan Bates. The story focuses on one very bad day in the life of Butley (Bates), a feisty, sharp-tongued, lazy and pathetic professor of English. His professional ascendancy is challenged by a slick, accomplished woman many years his junior; his ex-wife gives him conniptions when she announces her remarriage to someone he cannot bear; and his male lover of several years chooses this time to announce that he is leaving him for a sweeter-tempered but very ordinary man of the sort Butley despises. Bleak though this sounds, Butley's unconquerable wit and biting repartee transform this otherwise tragic tale into something of a celebration of survival. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

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Starring:
Alan BatesJessica Tandy, (more)
Director(s):
Harold Pinter
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Butley

The American Film Theatre has made movies of a number of significant theatrical performances, including Laurence Olivier's Othello. Another of these filmed theatricals is Simon Gray's Butley, which was brought to the screen by playwright Harold Pinter, and which features an astonishing performance by Alan Bates. The story focuses on one very bad day in the life of Butley (Bates), a feisty, sharp-tongued, lazy and pathetic professor of English. His professional ascendancy is challenged by a slick, accomplished woman many years his junior; his ex-wife gives him conniptions when she announces her remarriage to someone he cannot bear; and his male lover of several years chooses this time to announce that he is leaving him for a sweeter-tempered but very ordinary man of the sort Butley despises. Bleak though this sounds, Butley's unconquerable wit and biting repartee transform this otherwise tragic tale into something of a celebration of survival. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
129 mins

Complete Cast of Butley


Director(s):
Harold Pinter
Writer(s):
Simon WardSimon Gray
Producer(s):
Otto PlaschkesHenry T. WeinsteinEly Landau
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Not For Children)
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
 
Juanita N.

If you are an Alan Bates fan, this is a must. This is one of his best, and we are lucky to have it available. The acting is very fast paced and intense. One who is accustomed to British theatre might enjoy this. Also, it is interesting to see the retro clothes and setting. I definitely will recommend this to art lovers with open minds.

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Allen S.

Butley is bitingly witty, and a tour de force performance by Alan Bates makes the movie very entertaining for those who find delight in subtle literary references used in the most caustic way. Fine supporting characters, especially Joey and Reg. Allen S.

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Randy B.

Very boring. Does not hold ones attention.

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