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Archie Rice can still raise a laugh. He’s running out of audiences to hear it.
1960 · British drama · Black and white
Synopsis
Jean Rice visits her family in a seaside resort and finds her father Archie still working the music halls, playing to dwindling audiences and talking up his next show. At home, his wife Phoebe and his retired father Billy have heard the promises before. As the family waits for news of Jean’s brother Mick, Archie pins his hopes on one more chance to get back on top.
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Meet the cast
Crew
Director · Tony Richardson
Screenplay · John Osborne and Nigel Kneale
Based on the play by John Osborne
Producer · Harry Saltzman
Cinematography · Oswald Morris
Editing · Alan Osbiston
Music · John Addison
Production company · Woodfall Film Productions
Production and film notes
Laurence Olivier originated Archie Rice on stage and reprised the role for Tony Richardson. The film earned Olivier a Best Actor Oscar nomination. Watch how he plays Archie’s stage routines to a thinning audience, then carries the same patter into family conversations. BFI Player · Academy Awards
The seaside town goes unnamed, but the production used Morecambe. Its seafront gives Archie’s music-hall act a setting beyond the stage. Albert Finney made his feature-film debut as Mick Rice. BFI Player · BFI profile of Albert Finney
The poster’s bottom line mixes up the writing and directing credits. The BFI credits Tony Richardson as director and John Osborne and Nigel Kneale as screenwriters. BFI film record
Related films
Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964) · Another British drama that builds tension inside a family home.
The Battle of the Sexes (1959) · A British comedy about what happens when a traditional trade faces changing times.