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Complicating things is the horrified reaction of Reginald, her first husband, who has never forgiven her infidelity which lead to the breakup of their marriage. Their third-act rapprochement is a foregone conclusion, but the way Smith and Courtenay go about it is utterly fresh and charming. In a comic vein, Harwood's acerbic dialogue in the mouth of egotistical opera director Cedric (eccentrically played by Michael Gambon, the Albus Dumbledore of "Harry Potter" fame) never fails to get a laugh. This is clearly an actors' film about performers where Hoffman can flex his muscles and experience. He brings humor and a light touch to the clever British dialogue and sardonic social interactions. One feels a bit of Hoffman in the unflappable Connolly who stepped into a role originally conceived for Albert Finney; his unflappable nothing-sacred wit makes Wilf the most endearing character in the film. The tale ends on the notes of Verdi, with bonus end titles in which the character actors are paired with a publicity photo from their past, showing them in their heyday as singing and performing stars. It's a lovely salute to the profession. The project was originally developed with the late Mark Shivas, head of BBC Films. "Quartet," a Weinstein Co. release, is rated PG-13 for brief strong language and suggestive humor. 98 minutes. ___ Motion Picture Association of America rating definition for PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
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