A Visit from Miss Protheroe (1978)

Recommended

UK

Short Television Film

Series Title: BBC2 Play of the Week (1977-1979)

Director: Stephen Frears

Writer: Alan Bennett

Cinematographer: Clive Thomas

Composer: George Fenton

Cast: Hugh Lloyd, Patricia Routledge, Alan Bennett

This biting, slow burn verbal sparring match of a short film, Bennett’s first collaboration with the incomparable Routledge, depicts a seemingly innocent and friendly visit by a middle-aged secretary cum passive aggressive busybody to her former boss, who is recently retired and not long since widowed, whom she preceded to slowly but surely (and mercilessly) emotionally cripple. Iain.Stott