Alfie (1966)

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

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers:

Bill Naughton (screenplay), Bill Naughton (based on the play: "Alfie")

Stars:

Michael Caine, Shelley Winters, Millicent Martin

Nominated for 5 Oscars. Another 7 wins & 17 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 this movie carries over from Tom Jones (1963). This movie shows how much of the "swinging 60s" 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:

character name as title | sex | transistor radio | electric guitar | jazz score | 

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Taglines:

Michael Caine is Alfie is Wicked !

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 August 1966 (USA)

Also Known As:

Alfie

Filming Locations:

Lots Road Power Station, Chelsea, 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

A rarity in movies, Alfie (Sir Michael Caine) sporadically engages the audience by looking straight into the camera as he voices his thoughts, a technique known as "breaking the fourth wall". Lewis Gilbert would go on to direct Pauline Collins as the title character Shirley Valentine (1989), in which she also spoke her thoughts directly to the viewer.

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Goofs

We see a streetsign showing that Alfie's flat is in Chepstow Road, W3. Later in the film he goes for a walk with his neighbour leaving Lilly in the flat. They are seen walking in the area behind King's Cross station, several miles from W3.

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Quotes

Alfie: I don't want no bird's respect - I wouldn't know what to do with it.

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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 Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968)

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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

A classic in any era.

I have just managed to pick this film up on DVD for a bargain price for what is a classic in any era. The way the film is shot, Caine's acting and the music score just draw you in to Alfie's tale. The film does not hide from the grim consequences of Alfie's selfish life but at the end of it you feel sorry for him as his life is really empty as a result. A Film with a message & Caine is mesmerising in the lead role. Great soundtrack from Jazzman Sonny Rollins & the end theme by Burt Bacharach (and sung by Cher) is a classic ballad that leaves you in deep though after what you have seen ...