James Fox and Dirk Bogarde combine their talents as the gentleman and servant (valet)in this unusual movie from the 1960s. James Fox, brother of Edward Fox (Day of the Jackal), can still be found playing older, distinguished gentlemen in more current films. In this movie, the gentleman acts like a frat-house boy whose life is measured by the amount of alcohol he imbibes. When Dirk Bogarde becomes his valet, his new London townhouse takes on an orderliness, despite the antics of the young aristocrat. We soon find out, however, that the eerie efficiency of the servant is invasive and uncomfortable for both Fox and his girlfriend, Wendy Craig, who comes to dislike the servant.
Gradually, the standards of the servant decline and he becomes noticeably less docile, much to the disgust of Susan (Wendy Craig). The servant brings in his girlfriend (Sarah Miles) and acts fast and loose with her just as the master feels free to. Susan thinks she knows how to handle a servant and the servant would not last long with her in charge. However, the standards in this household continue to descend into darkness as seen in a final orgy-like party. The movie exposes the basic nature of both servants and the masters when the class system breaks down. Of course,as long as the structure is in place, the masters can take advantage of it. In many households, the servants were the rigid defenders of knowing one's place. But by the 60's (when this movie takes place) the rules were being tested.
The black and white film cuts away to a series of images that are like still photography. These images are enhanced by the snow-cover of the winter landscape.
The end of the film is a disappointment and ruins the overall effect of the excellent acting and strong visual presentation for much of the film.
Gradually, the standards of the servant decline and he becomes noticeably less docile, much to the disgust of Susan (Wendy Craig). The servant brings in his girlfriend (Sarah Miles) and acts fast and loose with her just as the master feels free to. Susan thinks she knows how to handle a servant and the servant would not last long with her in charge. However, the standards in this household continue to descend into darkness as seen in a final orgy-like party. The movie exposes the basic nature of both servants and the masters when the class system breaks down. Of course,as long as the structure is in place, the masters can take advantage of it. In many households, the servants were the rigid defenders of knowing one's place. But by the 60's (when this movie takes place) the rules were being tested.
The black and white film cuts away to a series of images that are like still photography. These images are enhanced by the snow-cover of the winter landscape.
The end of the film is a disappointment and ruins the overall effect of the excellent acting and strong visual presentation for much of the film.