The classic play is updated to the modern era - i e with intrusive four-letter words.

Now, under writer Ronald Harwood's guidance, it no longer seems to develop and build as it did in the 1951 version.

By using strong language and skimping on character, Harwood fails to supply the literate underpinning required to make us sympathise with the unpopular public school teacher (Albert Finney) being put out to grass.

But Finney gives a towering portrayal of a wasted life and Greta Scacchi makes a tasty meal of his faithless, bitchy wife.

The colour photography is a class above most other things in the movie.