Not so much a story, more of an amble through the life of a unemployed actor; of which species many are featured in this rather sour movie. Eschewing his usual bright and breezy demeanour More plays a provincial, journeyman actor who in middle age returns to London in the hope of finally making it big. We are then treated to a portrayal of the ups and downs, mainly downs, of life as a thesp. Endless auditions, lascivious agents, grotty digs, failed relationships and the gradual realisation that actors are a self-centred bunch who, in reality care little for one another, in an uncaring profession. More, as Charles 'Chick' Byrd is something of a snob, sneering at television work whilst looking for his defining role. Tauntingly, his flatmate Julian (Edmund Purdom) lands a starring role in a Hollywood movie (very similar to his real-life break in The Egyptian) and departs their shared shabbiness in a Rolls-Royce. In the meantime Chick enjoys himself at the expense of former flame Judy (Billy Whitelaw) but quickly abandons her for new squeeze Fay (Angela Douglas). His old friend Jack (Alan Dobie) has been forced to give up the business by his pregnant wife, but hangs himself when he cannot find a job to support his growing family. When his tearful widow Sandy tells Chick that an offer of an acting part has just arrived in the post, he selfishly rushes to the office of slimy agent Tommy (Dennis Price) to claim it for himself. What results is a dilemma. Chick gets the offer of a TV commercial for a breath freshener. He does it just for the money but, it is a raging success and he lands a contract for 26 more! He achieves his fame, and fortune, but is still unhappy. He knows he has compromised his supposed principles. At a celebratory party he observes everyone taking advantage or being taken advantage of, including Fay; and he just walks out in disgust.
This film inevitably draws comparisons with The Entertainer. With the main character always having excessive self-belief beyond their talent and capabilities. The main difference is that Chick does succeed where Archie Rice doesn't. Another similarity is that both films have casts which include,if not acting royalty, certainly acting aristocracy. We see Cecil Parker, Norman Rossington, Edwin Richfield, Eileen Way, Frank Finlay and Derek Newark in addition to those already mentioned, and they undoubtedly bring authenticity to their roles. Not a great film, but a chance to see Kenneth More in an unfamiliar role.
This film inevitably draws comparisons with The Entertainer. With the main character always having excessive self-belief beyond their talent and capabilities. The main difference is that Chick does succeed where Archie Rice doesn't. Another similarity is that both films have casts which include,if not acting royalty, certainly acting aristocracy. We see Cecil Parker, Norman Rossington, Edwin Richfield, Eileen Way, Frank Finlay and Derek Newark in addition to those already mentioned, and they undoubtedly bring authenticity to their roles. Not a great film, but a chance to see Kenneth More in an unfamiliar role.