The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present a “Festival Flashback” of the sensational acclaimed film “Quartet” Dec. 18-20 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, in celebration of the festival’s 30th anniversary season.
“Quartet” — directed by Dustin Hoffman — stars Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins and features Michael Gambon. Smith was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical.
Adapted by Ronald Harwood from his 1999 stage play, "Quartet" is set in a bucolic retirement community for former opera musicians, who are readying themselves for a gala benefit to fund the renovation of their buildings.
At its center are three old friends and partners in Verdi interpretation: Wilf (Billy Connolly), a genial old gent as randy as he is kind, who keeps himself spry by coming on to the help; buttoned-up Reginald (Tom Courtenay), who claims to want nothing more than a "dignified senility"; and Cissy (Pauline Collins), a sweet soul in the early stages of dementia.
Together the three soldier on in resigned harmony that's rudely interrupted by the arrival of Jean (Maggie Smith), a testy diva who was once the group's once-popular solo star. Her presence creates quite a stir; and no one feels the uproar more than Reginald, Jean's ex-husband, who still stings from her long-ago infidelity.
Most of the other Beecham residents are delighted, and try to convince Jean to join them in a performance of "Rigoletto." Jean, however, knows that she is long past her prime and is reluctant to sully the memory of her once-lovely voice.
“Heartwarming. A film to cherish.” — Classic FM
“A must-see movie.” — Good Housekeeping
“Unforgettable performances.” — Country Living