Main Cast: James Hayter, Anne Crawford, Felix Aylmer, Nigel Patrick, Lana Morris, Jean Simmons, Michael Hordern, Michael Rennie, Kathleen Harrison
Release Year: 1950
Country: UK
Run Time: 88 minutes
Plot
Trio was the 1950 follow-up to the successful Somerset Maugham "omnibus" feature Quartet. Maugham himself introduces the three short playlets in this captivating collection. "The Verger" stars James Hayter as a church verger who loses his position when it is discovered that he can neither read nor write. With the help of sympathetic Kathleen Harrison, Hayter becomes a successful tobacconist, a turn of events leading inexorably to the story's beautifully ironic punchline. In "Mister Know-All," Nigel Patrick plays an obnoxious, garrulous passenger on a luxury cruise, who becomes a hero simply by knowing when to shut up. The final story, "Sanitorium," details the touching romance between tuberculosis victims Michael Rennie and Jean Simmons. Like Quartet, this was popular and successful enough to inspire a sequel, 1951's Encore. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
Omnibus films are notoriously tricky to pull off, but Trio does so to a large degree. The biggest problem with these anthologies is that too often there is a tremendous gap in the quality between segments. There is a gap in Trio as well, but it's not the gulf that sometimes exists in these situations. It also helps that the film is arranged appropriately, with the first two segments essentially light curtain raisers that build appropriately and help to pave the way for the final sequence. "The Verger," the first piece, is a light, enjoyable piece of comic fluff which essentially depends upon a final line for its pay-off. It's quite well done, with a fine, appealing performance from James Hayter; it doesn't overstay its welcome and is a tasty little appetizer. The second piece, "Mr. Knowall," is also light, but delves somewhat deeper, painting an amusing portrait of a somewhat obnoxious but not unlikable title character, who is shown to have more depth than one might at first expect. Again, leading actor Nigel Patrick is invaluable in the success of the piece. The final segment, "Sanitorium," is by far the longest and the most dramatic. It sets a higher bar for itself than the shorter pieces, and while it doesn't quite reach its goals, it nevertheless is an entertaining and affecting little piece; if it shamelessly pulls at a few heartstrings, it does so to decent effect, and does manage to provide some genuinely touching moments. A young Michael Rennie and a very young Jean Simmons are enchanting, and there's a very nice turn from Raymond Huntley as well. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
Trio (also known as W. Somerset Maugham's Trio) is a 1950anthology film based on three short stories by W. Somerset Maugham: "The Verger", "Mr. Know-All" and "Sanatorium". Ken Annakin directed "The Verger" and "Mr. Know-All", while Harold French was responsible for "Sanatorium".
Trio is the second of a film trilogy, all consisting of adaptations of Maugham's stories, preceded by the 1948Quartet and followed by the 1951Encore.
The new vicar (Michael Hordern) of St. Peter's Church is astonished to learn that the long-serving verger, Albert Foreman (James Hayter), is illiterate. When Foreman refuses to learn to read, the vicar feels he has no choice but to fire him.
On the way back to his lodgings, Foreman notices that there is not a tobacconist shop in the area. Needing work, he decides to open one. He also takes the opportunity to propose to his landlady, Emma (Kathleen Harrison). Their fledgling business is very successful, and Foreman soon sets up another shop, run by his stepdaughter and her husband. Over the next decade, Foreman starts up more and more shops, becoming a wealthy man in the process and depositing his profits at the bank.
The bank manager (Felix Aylmer) recommends that he invest his sizable savings in order to get a better return on his money, forcing Foreman to reveal that he has not been able to because he cannot read. When the stunned manager asks (rhetorically) if he knew where he would be if he could, Foreman replies that he would be the verger of St. Peter's.
"Mr. Know-All"
Reserved Mr. Gray (Wilfred Hyde-White) finds himself forced to share a cabin on an ocean liner with the loud, opinionated, supremely self-confident gem dealer Max Kelada (Nigel Patrick). Kelada soon dominates all the onboard social gatherings, much to the annoyance of his fellow passengers, who take to calling him "Mr. Know-All" behind his back because of his insistence that he is an expert on all subjects.
One night, he remarks on the fine quality of the pearl necklace worn by the pretty Mrs. Ramsay (Anne Crawford), who has rejoined her husband (Naunton Wayne) after a two-year separation caused by his work. Mr. Ramsay bets him that the pearls are fake; Kelada swiftly accepts the wager, despite Mrs. Ramsay's attempt to call it off. While examining the pearls, Kelada observes that the woman is very uneasy. He then admits that he was wrong and pays Mr. Ramsay.
Afterwards, back in their cabin, Gray and Kelada are surprised when a banknote is slipped under their door. Gray gets Kelada to tell the truth: the pearls are real and very costly. Kelada adds that he would not have left such an attractive wife alone for that long. Gray begins to warm to his cabinmate.
"Sanatorium"
Writer Mr. Ashenden (Roland Culver) is sent to a sanatorium for his health. While there, he becomes acquainted with the lives and dramas of the residents. Another newcomer is the scandalous Major George Templeton (Michael Rennie), who admires lovely Evie Bishop (Jean Simmons). Evie has spent years in one sanatorium after another. Ashenden also observes the ongoing feud between longtime patients Mr. Campbell (John Laurie) and Mr. McLeod (Finlay Currie), who delight in making each other's life miserable. Finally, Mr. Chester (Raymond Huntley) resents the visits of his loving wife (Betty Ann Davies) because he envies her robust good health.
Tragedy strikes when McLeod dies, depriving Campbell of his enjoyment of life. Meanwhile, George and Evie fall in love; however, doctors warn them that George will hasten his death if they marry and try to enjoy a normal life. Despite the warning, the lovers decide that happiness, no matter how brief, is worth the price and leave the sanatorium. Their example eases Mr. Chester's bitterness with his own fate and strengthens his love for his wife.
