Alfie (1966)

An unrepentant ladies' man gradually begins to understand the consequences of his lifestyle.

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers:

Bill Naughton (screenplay), Bill Naughton (play)

Stars:

Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 8 wins & 16 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Michael Caine	...	Alfie
Shelley Winters	...	Ruby
Millicent Martin	...	Siddie
Julia Foster	...	Gilda
Jane Asher	...	Annie
Shirley Anne Field	...	Carla
Vivien Merchant	...	Lily Clamacraft
Eleanor Bron	...	The Doctor
Denholm Elliott	...	The Abortionist
Alfie Bass	...	Harry Clamacraft
Graham Stark	...	Humphrey
Murray Melvin	...	Nat
Sydney Tafler	...	Frank

Storyline

For Alfie, the only real life is sex life; only then can he kid himself he is living. Sex is not used as the working-class boy's way to 'the top'. Executive status has no appeal for Alfie. Nor has class mobility. He is quite content to stay where he is, as long as the 'birds' are in 'beautiful condition', as he assures us they are in one of the candid, over-the-shoulder asides to the camera which the film carries over from "Tom Jones". The film shows how much of the 'swinging 60's' quality of London life was a male creation, and through the dominance of the fashion photographers, a male prerogative.

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Plot Keywords:

sex | london england | breaking the fourth wall | courage | promiscuity | 

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Taglines:

Is every man an Alfie? Ask any girl.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 August 1966 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alfie - Szívtelen szívtipró

Filming Locations:

Tower of London, Whitechapel, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$800,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lewis Gilbert, Sheldrake Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Recording System)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First cinema film of Vivien Merchant.

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Goofs

When Alfie is in the doctors office and looks out of the window at the funeral, the window frame is of a different sort to the one we see of the interior.

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Quotes

Alfie: I've never told her that I love her - except at those times when you've *got* to say something for appearance's sake.

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Crazy Credits

At the beginning of the film Michael Caine talks to camera and explains that there will be no opening credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Mad Men: Commissions and Fees (2012)

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Soundtracks

"Alfie"
Vocal by Cher
Produced by Sonny Bono (as Sonny)
Composed by Hal David and Burt Bacharach
(U.S. version)

User Reviews

An excellent introduction to Michael Caine's work

Having seen most of Michael Caine's work before, it was a pleasant surprise to see one of his first films. You can tell that it is one of his early roles and was not made with a large budget, but, as a good film should portray, it is quite clearly the quality of the script and the acting that outshines the sets and other superfluous aspects.

Caine's character is inherently unlikeable, but, he exudes such a strong charisma that one warms to him gradually. The films choice of supporting actress is also well done as they are controlled by Caine's character, but not upstaged.

The ending, for me is the key point in liking Caine's character, as without spoiling the film, the final scene, set against the Thames at night, is an outstanding piece of writing and direction.

Alfie is an excellent introduction to Michael Caine's work and, for all its flaws, it remains an outstanding film.