A darkly funny satire about the true cost of climbing the social ladder that feels shockingly relevant 60 years on from its release. ★★★★☆
Directed by Clive Donner (What’s New Pussycat, Vampira) and starring Alan Bates, Denholm Elliott, Harry Andrews and Millicent Martin, Nothing But the (1964) finally takes its rightful place on the Vintage Classic label.
Released in 1964, this razor-sharp satire still packs a humorous punch 60 years on. Alan Bates stars as James, an ambitious young man desperate to escape his humble beginnings and rise through the ranks of the upper classes. Luckily for James, a chance encounter at a rundown cafe will change his life forever. In this unlikely place, James strikes up a conversation with Charles (Denholm Elliot), who (on the surface) has the life James craves. However, little does he know that Charles is far from the captain of industry he claims to be, and more of a well-dressed drunk.
Misgivings aside, Charles offers to mentor James in exchange for a room to stay in and some walking around money. After some less-than-sage advice from Charles leads to a big win at work, James begins to rethink their arrangement.
Alan Bates puts in a fantastic performance as James. His pursuit of class and wealth robs him of his once strong moral compass, and as he attempts to ascend the social ladder, he sinks to some very murky depths He’s charming and witty, but those attributes merely mask the dark-hearted ambition pumping through his veins.
Denholm Elliot is brilliant in almost every film, but he clearly had a grand old-time playing the deplorable Charles. A briskly paced and frequently scathing statement on the class system and an unexpected (and cheeky) little third-act twist saves the best laugh for the end. While it may appear tame by today’s standards, Nothing But the Best is a deeply cynical and delightfully dark comedy. Part cautionary tale, part satire, it’s hard not to see Clive Donner’s films as (way) ahead of its time.
Nothing But The Best is out now on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital.
