Dustin Hoffman has waited a long time to make his directorial debut, and we can only imagine the knowledge and experience he has absorbed by working with some of filmmaking’s best directors. His first stab, Quartet, looks to be an oldie romp boasting some of Britain’s top acting talent. Check out the trailer above.
Quartet is set in a Buckinghamshire home for retired opera singers. Among the residents is forgetful Cedric (Michael Gambon), smooth, flirty Wilf (Billy Connolly), and quirky Cissy (Pauline Collins).
Their world is rocked – or perhaps that should be rockered – when living legend Jean (Maggie Smith) arrives, and immediately disapproves of the place. It’s not helped by the fact that her ex-husband Reginald (Tom Courtenay) already lives there.
As the home’s singers prepare a celebration of Verdi’s birthday, Jean is invited to sing. But convincing her to lend her considerable talents will not be easy…
The film, adapted from Ronald Harwood from his own play, also features the likes of Andrew Sachs and Sheridan Smith and will be out on January 4. Check out a clip below.