The Entertainer
The Entertainer Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 12, 2026
Movie Overview: The Entertainer
| Movie | The Entertainer |
| Release Year | 1960 |
| Director | Tony Richardson |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 104 minutes (1h 44m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Entertainer (1960) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Entertainer are led by Laurence Olivier . The supporting cast, including Brenda De Banzie and Roger Livesey , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Entertainer does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Entertainer has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Entertainer
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1960, The Entertainer is a Drama film directed by Tony Richardson, written by Nigel Kneale. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Laurence Olivier as Archie Rice.
Ending Explained: The Entertainer
The Entertainer Ending Explained: Archie Rice, an old-time British vaudeville performer sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business. Directed by Tony Richardson, this 1960 drama film stars Laurence Olivier (Archie Rice), alongside Brenda De Banzie as Phoebe Rice, Roger Livesey as Billy Rice, Joan Plowright as Jean Rice. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Entertainer?
Archie Rice, an old-time British vaudeville performer sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business.
How Does Laurence Olivier (Archie Rice)'s Story End?
- Laurence Olivier: Laurence Olivier's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Brenda De Banzie (Phoebe Rice): Brenda De Banzie's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Roger Livesey (Billy Rice): Roger Livesey's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Entertainer Mean?
The Entertainer's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Laurence Olivier may feel rushed. Tony Richardson's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Entertainer Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Entertainer Based on a True Story?
No, The Entertainer is a work of fiction. While the drama film directed by Tony Richardson and starring Laurence Olivier may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Entertainer?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Laurence Olivier or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Where to Watch The Entertainer Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe Entertainer Parents Guide & Age Rating
1960 AdvisoryWondering about The Entertainer age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Entertainer (1960) is 104 minutes (1h 44m). Directed by Tony Richardson, the film runs for 104 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Entertainer is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1960 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Entertainer worth watching?
The Entertainer is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Entertainer parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Entertainer identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Entertainer (1960)?
The runtime of The Entertainer (1960) is 104 minutes (approximately 1h 44m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
