Room at the Top

This brilliant British drama, with potent social commentary and a superb cast, portrays the story of a young man from a small mill town who claws his way to the top - any way he can! Laurence Harvey is the 'angry young man' who sacrifices his true love for the steamy Simone Signoret and marries the daughter of the factory boss, just so he can get ahead.

Signoret was imported from France to add the sex appeal and won herself an Academy Award for Best Actress for her efforts. Harvey was also nominated for his performance as the ruthlessly ambitious Joe Lampton, his most famous role, but lost out to Charlton Heston's Ben Hur. Neil Paterson also received an Oscar for Best Screenplay. A powerful adaption of the novel by John Braine with skillful direction from newcomer Jack Clayton.