Alfie

1966 Comedy Drama

Michael Caine's first starring role was a foray into dramatic irony, scripted by Bill Naughton from his novel and play. Alfie (Caine) is a charming, rogueish Cockney who cannot get his fill of women. He uses them without shame or malice, jumping from one promiscuous female's bed to another without much thought or feeling. Of course, Alfie's not as carefree as he would have the audience -- to whom he often speaks directly -- think: he treats his pregnant, common-law wife, Gilda (Julia Foster), quite shabbily, and has an affair with a married woman (Vivien Merchant) that leaves her pregnant, for which Alfie arranges an abortion. In the end, Alfie never finds lasting meaning or pleasure but remains an unrepentant, if low-class, Don Juan. Caine was Oscar-nominated for his performance.

Director: Lewis Gilbert

Starring: Michael Caine, Millicent Martin, Julia Foster, Shirley Anne Field, Vivien Merchant

Reviews

No reviews

Awards

  • Best Actor in a Leading Role

    Academy Awards (1967)

     
  • Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles

    BAFTA Awards (1967)

  • Lewis Gilbert

    Cannes Film Festival (1966)

  • Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures

    Directors Guild of America (1967)

     
  • Best English-Language Foreign Film

    Golden Globes (1967)