Laurence Olivier presents Harold Pinter's The Collection

Pinter’s 1961 play (here made for TV by The World Is Not Enough and Enigma director Apted in 1976) focuses on two dysfunctional couples linked by suspicions of an affair. Helen Mirren is Stella, the dress designer wife of James (Alan Bates) who leads her husband to believe she has had a one night stand. The object of James’ hatred is Bill (McDowell), a fellow dress designer who lives on the other side of town with his much older male companion, Harry (played by legendary thesp and the film's co-producer, Olivier). The majority of the dialogue takes place between James and Bill, and the awkward silences, subtle implications of threat and generous use of colloquial language all point to classic Pinter - giving the men’s relationship a more pragmatic feel. Despite the highly talented cast, however, the damp ending - along with four entirely insipid characters - makes The Collection rather nonsensical viewing. Special features include a rare televised appearance by Pinter on The South Bank Show.