Present Laughter

Present Laughter

1981 · 147 min

Often regarded as semi-autobiographical, Present Laughter follows a few days in the life of successful and self-obsessed actor Garry Essendine as he prepares to travel for a touring commitment. Amid a series of events bordering on farce, Garry must deal with interruptions including the numerous women who want to seduce him, placating his long-suffering secretary Monica Reed, avoiding his estranged wife Liz Essendine, being confronted by a crazed young playwright, and overcoming his fear of his own approacing fortieth birthday and impending mid-life crisis.

Directed by Alan Strachan · Written by Noël Coward

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Cast

Donald Sinden Garry Essendine
Dinah Sheridan Liz Essendine
Gwen Watford Monica Reed
Elizabeth Counsell Joanna Lyppiatt
Julian Fellowes Roland Maule
Belinda Lang Daphne Stillington
Colin Spaull Fred

Make it a double feature

4h 15m together

Present Laughter

Withnail & I

Both from Alan Strachan.

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