Three Sisters

An entry from the revered American Film Theatre collection, Laurence Olivier's 1970 production of Anton Chekhov's classic play features sparkling characterization and quiet insights into the timeless qualities of the human spirit. The eponymous trio of siblings—Olga (Jeanne Watts), Masha (Joan Plowright), and Irina (Louise Purnell)—are the grown children of a deceased army post commander. Living in a provincial setting, they dream of returning to their idyllic home in Moscow. The sisters drift aimlessly through the days, each yearning to begin life afresh: Olga, an old schoolmistress, longs for a family of her own; Masha, dissatisfied in her marriage to a meek schoolteacher (Kenneth MacKintosh), finds a passionate partner in the form of a married colonel (Alan Bates); and Irina, who wants to be seen as a mature adult with desires of her own, finds herself caught in the middle of a fruitless rivalry between two suitors (Ronald Pickup, Frank Wylie). As the story progresses, hearts are broken, duels are fought, and imperfect circumstances find gradual acceptance. Filmed on decorative yet simple sets in long, static shots, the near-three-hour Three Sisters will surely test the patience of some, but those who appreciate the gently masterful portrayals by the sterling cast—including Olivier himself as the irascible old army surgeon—will find real treasures here. Extras include archival interviews with Bates and Edie Landau (widow of producer Ely Landau, who was responsible for the American Film Theatre project). Recommended. (J. Cruz)