ROOM AT THE TOP (1958, UK, 117m, 12) ****½
Drama, Romance
dist. Independent Film Distributors (IFD) (UK), Continental Distributing (USA); pr co. Romulus Films / Remus
d. Jack Clayton; w. Neil Paterson (based on the novel by John Braine); pr. James Woolf, John Woolf; ph. Freddie Francis (B&W | 1.66:1); m. Mario Nascimbene; ed. Ralph Kemplen; ad. Ralph W. Brinton.
cast: Simone Signoret (Alice Aisgill), Laurence Harvey (Joe Lampton), Heather Sears (Susan Brown), Donald Wolfit (Mr. Brown), Donald Houston (Charles Soames), Hermione Baddeley (Elspeth), Allan Cuthbertson (George Aisgill), Raymond Huntley (Mr. Hoylake), John Westbrook (Jack Wales), Ambrosine Phillpotts (Mrs. Brown), Richard Pasco (Teddy Merrick), Beatrice Varley (Aunt), Delena Kidd (Eva), Ian Hendry (Cyril), April Olrich (Mavis), Mary Peach (June Samson), Anthony Newlands (Bernard), Avril Elgar (Miss Gilchrist), Thelma Ruby (Miss Breith), Derren Nesbitt (Thug in Fight on Tow Path).
Groundbreaking British New Wave story with Harvey brooding as a working-class man looking to further himself by any means possible before realising too late that money does not equate to happiness. Caught between his love for married amateur actress Signoret, ten years his senior, and the young and naive Sears as the daughter of rich industrialist Wolfit, Harvey must come to terms with his conscience. Clayton’s direction ensures powerful performances from the excellent cast, and the wonderful photography from Francis skilfully captures the smoke-filled streets of northern England. Followed by LIFE AT THE TOP (1965), then a TV series Man at the Top (1970-2), which itself spawned a big screen follow-up MAN AT THE TOP (1973).
AA: Best Actress in a Leading Role (Simone Signoret); Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Neil Paterson)
AAN: Best Picture; Best Actor in a Leading Role (Laurence Harvey); Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Hermione Baddeley); Best Director (Jack Clayton)
