Quartet was very successful on its release in 1948 so no one was surprised when it was followed by Trio featuring a further three adaptations of short stories by Somerset Maugham - it is of course feasible that a sequel was on the cards from the first, subject to the reception accorded Quartet. Once again Maugham does the honors narration-wise and we are offered two light-hearted romps and one of somewhat more substance. Mr. Know-All is a vehicle for the always excellent Nigel Patrick who is in his element as the ultimate fellow passenger from hell. Having flaunted the hide of a rhinoceros for twenty minutes or so he then reveals a sensitive nature though in order to do so Ann Crawford is obliged to behave with unrealistic foolishness in opting to wear (in her husband's company) a valuable pearl necklace given to her by a lover. The eponymous Verger is dismissed from his post because of his illiteracy yet has the last laugh by becoming an entrepreneur. Sanitarium focuses on such an establishment, always a good bet for an author and exploited beautifully by Terence Rattigan in Separate Tables, which allows us to get to know a cross-section of inhabitants whilst focusing on just two. Whilst both competent actors Michael Rennie and Jean Simmons fail to convince as lovers though we do nevertheless respond to their cavalier gesture. A worthy successor to Quartet.
Review of Trio
