Quartet

This deliciously tart British comedy essentially revives the old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland “let's put on a show” formula with great panache. Quartet is set in the bucolic English countryside at Beecham House, an elegant retirement refuge for musicians that is facing dire financial straits just as a new resident appears: famed soloist Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). But she's in no mood to socialize. While her arrival stuns longtime resident Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay)—Jean's cuckolded-and-heartbroken former husband, who devotes his time to making opera relevant for youthful rappers—it delights ebullient, somewhat senile Cissy Robson (Pauline Collins), her former singing partner. The burning question revolves around whether the haughty, sharp-tongued diva will agree to participate in the upcoming Verdi birthday fundraising concert. Observing from the wings are a perennially lecherous rake (Billy Connolly), an egotistical crank (Michael Gambon), a rival soprano (Gwyneth Jones), and the amiably solicitous resident physician (Sheridan Smith). Adapted by Ronald Harwood from his own play, and adroitly directed by Dustin Hoffman, the film also boasts an ensemble that includes many actual musicians, who enthusiastically perform selections from Rigoletto and La Traviata. Inspired by the real-life story of retired Italian opera singers living together in the Casa Riposo per Musicisti (aka Casa Verdi), this endearing and engaging tale centered on life's third act is highly recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Dustin Hoffman, behind-the-scenes featurettes (15 min. total), and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a charming film.] (S. Granger)