Room at the Top

Room at the Top memorably conveys the snobbery, poverty, desperation, and politics of class in provincial England.

Neil Paterson's literate, well-molded screenplay is enhanced by subtle, intelligent direction from first-timer Jack Clayton and a batch of topnotch performances.

Room at the Top remains a highly satisfying and beautifully conceived study of the human experience. It is one of the most important films in the history of British cinema and, mercifully, it is still one of the most remarkable dramatic productions of all time.

Although time doesn't flatter the film much, it remains engaging and insightful.

Room at the Top is quite conservative in its morality — although its sledgehammer ending still packs an emotional wallop.

In retrospect, this adaptation of John Braine's Bradford-set novel, with its moral melodramatics as Laurence Harvey cheats his way to success (a good marriage) via the death of his 'true love' and the bed of his mistress (Signoret), may not stand the test of time. But it remains intriguing as a sort of Brief Encounter, '50s-style.