Man at the Top (film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Drama film |
Man at the Top is a British drama from 1973, directed by Mike Vardy and featuring Kenneth Haigh in the lead role. This movie serves as a continuation of the television series Man at the Top, which itself was derived from the 1959 film Room at the Top and its follow-up, the 1965 film Life at the Top.
Plot
Joe Lampton ascends to the position of managing director within a pharmaceutical firm, where he becomes involved with Lord Ackerman, who holds significant power as both chairman and Joe's father-in-law. Joe uncovers that his predecessor's suicide was connected to a controversial drug responsible for causing sterility in 1,000 women in Africa. When Joe threatens to reveal this information, Lord Ackerman attempts to dissuade him by offering advancement to Chief Executive.
Cast
- Kenneth Haigh portraying Joe Lampton
- Nanette Newman as Lady Alex Ackerman
- Harry Andrews in the role of Lord Ackerman
- William Lucas as Marshall
- Clive Swift playing Massey
- Paul Williamson as Tarrant
- John Collin as Wisbech
- John Quentin in the role of Digby
- Danny Sewell as Weston
- Charlie Williams portraying George Harvey
- Anne Cunningham as Mrs. Harvey
- Angela Bruce playing Joyce
- Margaret Heald as Eileen
- Mary Maude in the role of Robin Ackerman
- Norma West as Sarah Tarrant
- John Conteh appearing as Boxer
Production
Among several feature-length adaptations of television dramas during the early 1970s, Man at the Top distinguished itself by not following the typical pattern of transitioning from sitcoms.[1]
Filming
The shooting schedule spanned from 3 March until 7 April 1973.
Box office
The movie failed to generate significant commercial returns and did not perform well financially.[2]
Critical reception
The Monthly Film Bulletin critiqued it as resembling "an extended TV episode" rather than a fully developed feature film.
"Network on Air" noted that this production offered a "more hard-edged approach compared to both the 1959 movie version and the later television adaptation."
Allmovie commended Nanette Newman, describing her portrayal of Mrs. Lampton as "subtly compelling."
External links
- Man at the Top at BFI