Anthony Hopkins, Ian McKellan unite for 'The Dresser,' the most English-sounding film ever

Shakespeare, World War II air raids, begrudgingly respectful old men, the quiet dignity of menial work -- all these British tropes and more join forces in the trailer for Starz's upcoming movie The Dresser.

The film stars Sir Ian McKellan in the title role as Norman, a stagehand and dresser for Sir Anthony Hopkins' character, who plays the lead in King Lear.

Hopkins' character -- known only as "Sir" -- is an unpredictable presence, storming into the theater with little regard for the repercussions of his actions. Norman takes it upon himself to ensure that Sir takes the stage, until one fateful night when a raid signifies the proximity of the Second World War.

The Dresser is based on the Ronald Harwood play of the same name. Director Richard Eyre used much of its original script for the screen adaptation, instead of a 1983 screenplay written by Harwood himself. 

Rounding out the cast are Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire, Vanessa Kirby, Edward Fox, Tom Brooke, John Ashton, Ian Conningham, Annalisa Rossi, Helen Bradbury, Carl Sanderson, Matthew Cottle and Martin Chamberlain.

The Dresser premieres on Starz May 30 at 9 P.M.

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