Albert Finney stars as the head of a Shakespearean acting troupe touring Europe during World War II. A senile drunk (Finney) is looked after by his dresser (Courtenay). The film details their close and touching relationship as the dresser remains in the background while enabling the once great actor to continue his work.
The lives and relationships of those within a British traditional touring stage company provide the backdrop for the compelling study of the intense relationship between the leader of the company and his dresser.
