Synopsis
An ambitious young accountant schemes to wed a wealthy factory owner's daughter, despite falling in love with a married older woman.
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Cast
- Laurence HarveyJoe Lampton
- Simone SignoretAlice Aisgill
- Heather SearsSusan Brown
- Donald WolfitMr. Brown
- Donald HoustonCharles Soames
- Hermione BaddeleyElspeth
- Beatrice VarleyAunt
- Allan CuthbertsonGeorge Aisgill
- Raymond HuntleyMr. Hoylake
- John WestbrookJack Wales
- 100
TV Guide Magazine
Room at the Top memorably conveys the snobbery, poverty, desperation, and politics of class in provincial England. - 90
Film Threat
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. - 90
Variety
Neil Paterson's literate, well-molded screenplay is enhanced by subtle, intelligent direction from first-timer Jack Clayton and a batch of topnotch performances. - 80
The New York Times
Room at the Top is quite conservative in its morality — although its sledgehammer ending still packs an emotional wallop. - 80
Empire
Although time doesn't flatter the film much, it remains engaging and insightful. - 70
Time Out
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.