Duet For One (1986)

A world famous classical violinist (Julie Andrews) is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Not only is she faced with her inability to play the violin which puts an end to her career, she senses her marriage is crumbling as her husband (Alan Bates) is having an affair with his secretary (Cathryn Harrison). Based on the play by Tom Kempinski and directed by Andre Konchalovsky (RUNAWAY TRAIN). Kempinski's play was a success in London's West End but when it transferred to Broadway), it closed after two weeks. The film version opens up the play considerably. The play had only two characters, the violinist (played by Anne Bancroft) and her psychiatrist (Max Von Sydow, who reprises his stage role here). The film adds a husband (Bates), his secretary (Harrison), a maid (Macha Meril), a lover (Liam Neeson), an agent (Margaret Courtenay) and another violinist (Rupert Everett) which are not in the play. In a difficult dramatic role, Andrews acquits herself admirably so it's a pity that the film that surrounds her isn't very good. Some of the acting is good, notably Von Sydow and Meril but some of it is shockingly bad. I'm thinking of Bates and Rupert Everett who is is just godawful. Worth watching for Andrews' performance but not much else.