Why we picked it – 60th anniversary of this British cinema classic newly restored. A privileged world brimming with barely concealed sexual and class jealousies – the start of the Sixties

Synopsis – Posh Tony (James Fox) hires servant Barrett (Dirk Bogarde). Barrett appears loyal, but Tony’s girlfriend Susan (Wendy Craig) does not like him. Barrett brings his sister Vera (Sarah Miles) to work in the house and Tony has a brief affair with her. When Barrett and Vera, who are actually lovers, are found in Tony’s bed, they are fired and Susan breaks with Tony. Barrett returns and imposes his real intentions in the house, switching positions with Tony.

The film – This very English festival of class, fear sex and shame is a nightmare version of Jeeves and Wooster: the discreet all-knowing servant effectively controlling the life of the feather-brained young man who is nominally in charge. An important film for many of the participants: arguably blacklisted Joseph Losey’s masterpiece, Harold Pinter’s first script, the turning point in Dirk Bogarde’s career from his vacuous “Doctor” roles and a revelation that Wendy Craig could do other than sitcoms.

Links – imdb The Times review Guardian review

Director: Joseph Losey; Writer: Harold Pinter (from a novel by Robert Maugham); Cinematography: Douglas Slocombe: Music: Johnny Dankworth. UK, 1963, 116 mins 12.