BILLY Connolly and Pauline Collins appear in perfect harmony ahead of the release of their film, Quartet, about a retirement home for musicians.

The two star alongside Dame Maggie Smith, Sheridan Smith and Tom Courtenay in the film, directed by Dustin Hoffman in his first full shot as filmmaker.

Connolly plays ladies' man Wilf, a resident at Beecham House, which is thrown into chaos around the time of its annual concert with the arrival of a new guest. The film, which has been lauded for its strong performances, is showing at the BFI London Film Festival.

Dame Maggie has criticised Hollywood's "baffling" obsession with making films for younger audiences. The Downton Abbey actress, 77, said the industry was beginning to change, adding: "I think it's because a lot of grown-ups would like films for grown-ups and about grown-ups.

"There are an awful lot of people of my age around now. We kind of outnumber the others."

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