John Schlesinger made his first feature "A Kind Of Loving" with the young Alan Bates. It was an extraordinary debut. They also work together in "Far From The Madding Crowd" and in a TV adaptation of Terence Rattigan's "Separate Tables" with Julie Christie. In "An Englishman Abroad" their artistic relationship is at its peak. The idea came from the incomparable Coral Browne, a true story. They told the story to Alan Bennett and Mr Bennett came out with this piercing, funny, sad true story of a gay British spy living, or surviving his exile in Moscow, without an ounce of resentment. No, all the disappointment, every bit of regret is in Alan Bates's eyes. What a spectacular performance. This beautiful film deserves a serious revival.
Review of An Englishman Abroad
