Receiving five Oscar nominations and rave reviews, this was one of the most talked-about British movies of 1966. Today, the frank discussion of pre-marital sex, adultery and illegitimacy may raise fewer eyebrows and the chirpy cockney banter may sound more than a little old hat, but this knowing drama still has much to say about how differently men and women view intimate relationships, and the abortion scene retains its power to shock. Michael Caine has rarely bettered his performance here, conveying in his monologues a charm and a naivety that is as troubling as it is accomplished. Of the wronged women, Julia Foster and Vivien Merchant are outstanding.

A young man leads a promiscuous lifestyle until several life reversals make him rethink his purposes and goals in life.