Quartet (2012; UK; Colour; 98m) ∗∗∗ d. Dustin Hoffman; w. Ronald Harwood; ph. John de Borman; m. Dario Marianelli. Cast: Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon, Sheridan Smith, Andrew Sachs, Gwyneth Jones, Trevor Peacock, David Ryall, Michael Byrne, Ronnie Fox, Patricia Loveland, Elaine Powell, Luke Newberry. A group of ageing former musicians living in a home for retired opera singers prepare to hold their annual concert celebrating Verdi’s birthday. Slight story is considerably enhanced by a top quality cast and some poignant observations on the process of ageing. Hoffman frames the setting pleasingly. Based on a play by Ronald Harwood. [12]