A charming and ambitious young man finds many ways to raise himself through the ranks in business and social standing - some honest, some not quite so. If he can just manage to avoid a certain very predatory woman.
Acting
Guinness's grin could sell you your own hat back.
Writing
Arnold Bennett's dialogue sparkles with Edwardian wit.
Director
Ronald Neame
Alec Guinness
Edward Henry 'Denry' Machin
Glynis Johns
Ruth Earp
Valerie Hobson
Countess of Chell
Petula Clark
Nellie Cotterill
Edward Chapman
Mr. Duncalf
George Devine
Mr. Calvert
Joan Hickson
Mrs. Codleyn
Frank Pettingell
Police Superintendent
Gibb McLaughlin
Emery
Peter Copley
P. Shillitoe (uncredited)
Henry Edwards
Mr. Cotterill (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Petula Clark was only 19 here, already a decade into her career. She'd dominate UK pop charts within five years.
Based on Arnold Bennett's 1911 novel, the film gently satirizes the Edwardian 'Five Towns' pottery industry where cash, not birth, began buying status.
GB
