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United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Mono ), SPECIAL FEATURES: 3-DVD Set, Alternative Footage, Black & White, Interactive Menu, Photo Gallery, Scene Access, Trailer(s), SYNOPSIS: A collection of films based on the short stories of W. Somerset Maugham. 'Trio' (1950) is a collection of three vignettes adapted from short stories written by W. Somerset Maugham and introduced on screen by the writer himself. 'The Verger' follows the fortunes of Albert Foreman (James Hayter) a man of the cloth at St Neville's whose position is terminated when it emerges that he is illiterate. Forced to change his life, he rejects reading and writing lessons and instead opens a tobacconist shop. He then becomes something of an unlikely business tycoon. In 'Mister Know All' we are introduced to Max Kelada (Nigel Patrick) - the type of big-mouth everyone loves to hate. A jeweller by trade, he goes on a cruise - where his inability to keep quiet leads him into an awkward situation. When he identifies the necklace of a fellow passenger's wife as authentic, he almost reveals a secret affair. His ability to finally keep his mouth shut earns him a newfound respect. 'Sanitorium' is set in a TB ward in the Scottish countryside. New patient Ashenden (Roland Culver) checks in and begins immediately to observe the lives of the other patients. A touching romance between resident patients Major Templeton (Michael Rennie) captivates his imagination while the incessant bickering between elderly residents McLeod (Finlay Currie) and Campbell (John Laurie) provides comic relief. 'Encore' (1951) is an adaptation of three more of Maugham's short stories. 'The Ant and the Grasshopper' concerns the trials and tribulations through which a ne'er-do-well brother, Tom Ramsey (Nigel Patrick), puts his prim-and-proper businessman brother, George Ramsey (Roland Cu...W. Somerset Maugham Collection - 3-DVD Set ( Trio / Quartet / Encore )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
What a wonderful collection. each DVD is preceded by a short chat by th great man himself, Somerset Maugham, with stories that trasnport you to another era. Of course the fact that the stories themselves ar so cleverly constructed helps enormously, but besides that, the acting and the old world charm of the characters just make this collection of three DVDs a superb gift. Also, the quality is such that you're likely to keep the DVDs and watch them time and again. The films, as with the stories upon which they are based, are timeless. What a brilliant idea to put together this collection.
18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
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This DVD is a gem. It consists of a total of 10 short or shortish stories on 3 discs, originally separate films from the late 1940's. Some are from Somerset Maugham, a few from or adapted by other writers. At least two ( The Verger and The Colonel's Lady) were later recycled into the (also recommended and on DVD) Tales of the Unexpected series of the late 70's and early 80's. The black and white is crisp and clear as can be, the sound likewise. The acting is superb, too, with many famous names appearing, not least Nigel Patrick.
Each film of the three (Trio, Quartet, Encore) is introduced by Somerset Maugham from his beautiful home and garden on the Riviera. How glamorous that must have seemed, looked at from the dingy squalor of much of 1940's Britain!
Superb entertainment and truly enjoyable. Recommended.
Each film of the three (Trio, Quartet, Encore) is introduced by Somerset Maugham from his beautiful home and garden on the Riviera. How glamorous that must have seemed, looked at from the dingy squalor of much of 1940's Britain!
Superb entertainment and truly enjoyable. Recommended.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
I bought my first copy of this collection for my family and me at Christmas 2008 and now I'm back for another copy for my elderly aunt and uncle in Wales. I have loved Somerset Maugham's short stories for years and read them regularly with my young son, and there's nothing more delightful than to find some of them adapted, here, in film with some of the best of British acting talent that I remember from my childhood in the 1960s! And, then, to have the films introduced by the GREAT fellow himself, well this is a gem of a collection that I hold very dear. I hope you enjoy them too!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
A bygone era
This dvd set takes you back to the bygone days when everyone spoke with a cut-glass accent. A lovely escape from today's busy world. Lots of early appearances from famous actors.
Published 9 months ago by Pamela
Great film I wanted, but wrong Region Number-unplayable
I had been trying to get this film..of Quartet, Trio, etc. forever, and thought I had finally found it. But when I got it, it was unplayable in the US... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Rosalyn H. Martty
3 films by somerset maugham
I thoroughly enjoyed this dvd. Somerset Maugham is a classic writer. His 3 short stories are brought here with a sterling cast and direction. I wish there were more available.
Published on 21 April 2010 by colin palmer
Somerset Maugham, perhaps the 'best of'
'Quartet' is the winner here. The 'kite' story sticks in the mind. George Cole makes an early, and memorable, appearance here. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2010 by Mikex
Somerset Maugham
A man of dubious character, well known for his use of his friends and acquaintances in his work and often without their permission or approval, but frankly the work is so good... Read more
Published on 25 Oct 2009 by G. M. J. Tomlinson
"Hello My Name Is Max Kelada"
In 1948 Gainsborough decided with the input of the author himself W Somerset Maugham to develop four of his short stories into a movie. Read more
Published on 15 July 2009 by Mark Pearce
Trio, Quartet, Encore
An invaluable collection for the cineaste, these three compilations adapted from W Somerset Maugham's short stories give a fascinating picture of England's tastes, values and... Read more
Published on 4 July 2009 by Oburoni nyansafo
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