70
Metascore
10 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Los Angeles TimesPeter RainerLos Angeles TimesPeter RainerTony Richardson’s 1960 The Entertainer, based on the John Osborne play, is a cultural event of the first importance.
- 88Boston GlobeJay CarrBoston GlobeJay CarrCertainly none of Olivier's other contemporary film characters matches Archie's resonances. We're lucky to still have The Entertainer. [04 Aug 1989, p.41]
- 80The New York TimesBosley CrowtherThe New York TimesBosley CrowtherIt works out to a fascinating picture, for one reason because of its superior illustrative performance and, for another, because of its striking mise en scène.
- 80TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineRichardson's direction of this unhappy little gem gives off the appropriate dull glimmer while being economical and inventive.
- 80EmpireDavid ParkinsonEmpireDavid ParkinsonOlivier is truly remarkable in his portayal of the hammy actor, anti-hero Archie.
- 70The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelThe film errs in many ways, and at times the editing seems glaringly poor, but Olivier's performance gives it venomous excitement.
- 60Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderExcellent support from Alan Bates, Albert Finney, and Joan Plowright, but Richardson's direction drags more than a bit.
- 50Time OutTime OutJohn Osborne's quirky indictment of '50s stagnation still looks stagebound, despite extensive location shooting and the cool, inventive photography of Oswald Morris. Too many words, too many tantrums, too much kitchen-sink sentimentality; yet there are moments when this looks like a good film.
- 30Village VoiceVillage VoiceThe boredom of British film realism is indescribable. I was yawning, and turning around, and fidgeting--what an experience! [08 Dec 1960, p.11]