Room at the Top

In truth, Signoret probably outclasses everyone in the movie with her charisma and address to the camera. But Harvey’s performance, though more effortful, still has vigour and style.

Laurence Harvey is electric as the social climber Joe Lampton...

One of the bleakest movies I know, Room at the Top also ranks among the sultriest: a wildfire smoldering in a desolate landscape. Director Jack Clayton deftly showcases the lust-drunk faces and entangled bodies of protagonists Joe and Alice.

An adult, human picture.

Basically cheerless and somber, but it has a strikingly effective view.

Room has a tricked-up impressiveness that holds the spectator's mind long after the movie's windup.

Classic portrayal of ruthless ambition has sex and violence.

A masterful film in all aspects, full of strength. [Full Review in Spanish]

Complicated characters, a searing indictment of upper-crust snobbery, and a startling sexual frankness for its time (an X rating in the UK, banned in several cities in the US) all contribute to this movie's potency.

Room at the Top, a British production banned in Saskatchewan, treated sex and several other universal human relationships with a power and honesty far removed from the sleazy hypocrisy of the gimmick-shows.