Staircase (1969): Cast & Plot
Staircase is a 1969 comedy drama directed by Stanley Donen, starring Richard Burton as Harry Leeds, Rex Harrison and Stephen Lewis. It is based on Staircase by Charles Dyer. It runs 1 hour 36 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 36m (96 min)
- Director
- Stanley Donen
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Stanley Donen Films
- Based on
- Staircase by Charles Dyer
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Staircase About?
The premise of Staircase without spoilers, adapted from Staircase by Charles Dyer. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
An aging gay couple runs a barber shop in London’s East End. One partner, a part‑time actor, faces a trial for allegedly propositioning a police officer. Over one night they reminisce about their tender yet volatile shared past and contemplate a uncertain future apart, offering a bittersweet portrait of love and loss.
Staircase Themes & Keywords
· 21 tags- gay
- homosexuality
- older man older man relationship
- gay relationship
- gay stereotype
- gay couple
- gay parent
- homosexual
- gay protagonist
- gay interest
- hairdresser
- old man
+9 more Show fewer
- one word title
- gay romance
- gay love
- london england
- gay hairdresser
- england
- aging
- gay father
- based on play
Staircase Cast & Characters
Richard Burton leads the cast as Harry Leeds, with Rex Harrison as Charles Dyer and Stephen Lewis as Jack. Directed by Stanley Donen; 15 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Stanley Donen
-
Richard Burton as Harry Leeds - Rex Harrison as Charles Dyer
- Stephen Lewis as Jack
-
Cathleen Nesbitt as Harry's Mother
Also Starring in Staircase
· 11 more- Michael Rogers Drag Singer (as Rogers)
- Shelagh Fraser Cub Mistress
- Neil Wilson Policeman
- Avril Angers Miss Ricard
- Pat Heywood Nurse
- Gwen Nelson Matron
- Dermot Kelly Gravedigger
- Beatrix Lehmann Charlie's Mother
- Gordon Heath Postman
- Jake Kavanagh Choirboy
- Royston Starr Drag Singer (as Starr)
More from Stanley Donen
More films directed by Stanley Donen, best-rated first: Singin' in the Rain, Charade, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Two for the Road.
Staircase Plot Summary
What happens in Staircase from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Harry Leeds and Charles Dyer are two queer hairdressers who have shared a life and a business for two decades, running Chez Harry, a bustling barbershop tucked in London’s East End. Their home life is a rough-and-tumble mix of affection and sharp-edged quarrels, with Harry’s bedridden mother living upstairs, watching the world from a distance. Harry, who suffers from alopecia, refuses to wear a toupee, opting instead for a simple bandage that covers his head, a small detail that stubbornly anchors his sense of self. Charlie, ever the showman, is an actor who seems to measure his worth by the flash of a spotlight, constantly dropping mentions of his latest gig or brush with fame.
Full summary
The whole story of Staircase, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Staircase?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What are the names of the two main characters who run the barbershop?
Seen Staircase?
Movies Like Staircase
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Staircase C, Stonewall and The Closet.
Staircase FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Staircase, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Staircase?
Staircase runs 1 hour 36 minutes (96 minutes).
When was Staircase released?
Staircase was released on August 20, 1969.
Who directed Staircase?
Staircase was directed by Stanley Donen.
More films by Stanley Donen Who is in the cast of Staircase?
Staircase stars Richard Burton as Harry Leeds, Rex Harrison as Charles Dyer and Stephen Lewis as Jack, among 15 credited actors.
Is Staircase based on a book?
Yes. Staircase is adapted from Staircase by Charles Dyer.
Does Staircase have a post-credit scene?
No. Staircase has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
