Only Two Can Play

Only Two Can Play

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1962
Founder	Sidney Gilliat (director), Bryan Forbes (screenplay)
Products	British comedy film

Only Two Can Play is a 1962 British comedy film directed by Sidney Gilliat, featuring performances by Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling, and Virginia Maskell. The screenplay, crafted by Bryan Forbes, adapts the 1955 novel That Uncertain Feeling authored by Kingsley Amis.

Plot

John Lewis, an underpaid librarian who occasionally works as a drama critic, finds himself conflicted between his sophisticated mistress Liz and his devoted but long-suffering wife Jean.

When an opportunity arises for a higher-paying position, Jean encourages Lewis to apply. During this process, he encounters Elizabeth Gruffydd-Williams (Liz), a designer involved with the local community theatre and spouse of a council member. Liz offers assistance in securing the job and openly displays her interest in Lewis, leading to an affair that remains physically unfulfilled.

Lewis abandons the theatre early to meet Liz and subsequently submits a fabricated review to the local newspaper. A fire destroys the theatre during the premiere of the play, revealing the affair. In response, Jean instigates her former lover Gareth Probert, who wrote the ill-fated play. Lewis also suffers the loss of his close friend and colleague Ieuan Jenkins, who participated in the production.

Although offered the better-paid role, Lewis recognizes Liz’s intention to dominate him. He terminates their relationship and opts for a mobile librarian post to avoid further complications. Jean remains distrustful and follows him to keep surveillance.

Cast

• Peter Sellers as John Lewis
• Mai Zetterling as Liz
• Virginia Maskell as Jean
• Kenneth Griffith as Jenkins
• Raymond Huntley as Vernon
• David Davies as Benyon
• Maudie Edwards as Mrs. Davies
• Meredith Edwards as clergyman
• John Le Mesurier as Salter
• Frederick Piper as Mr. Davies
• Graham Stark as Mr. Hyman
• Eynon Evans as Town Hall Clerk
• John Arnatt as Bill
• Sheila Manahan as Mrs. Jenkins
• Richard Attenborough as Probert
• Howell Evans as library policeman (uncredited)
• Tenniel Evans as Kennedy (uncredited)
• Laurence Luxton as American GI and driver (uncredited)
• Desmond Llewelyn as vicar
• George Woodbridge as farmer

Production

Following his success with Lucky Jim, John Boulting adapted Kingsley Amis’ novel That Uncertain Feeling into a screenplay. Bryan Forbes penned the script and played a key role in casting Peter Sellers for the lead character. Filming primarily occurred in and around Swansea, which served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Aberdarcy. The production attracted significant public attention and prompted MI5 to monitor Mai Zetterling due to suspicions regarding Communist affiliations. The British Board of Film Censors granted the film an X rating, marking it as the first comedy to receive this classification despite containing very limited nudity.

Peter Sellers was reportedly challenging during filming, experiencing conflicts with Virginia Maskell and requesting her replacement with a Welsh actress. Director Sidney Gilliat sought assistance from John Boulting to manage these on-set difficulties.

Box office

According to The Times, the film secured third place among British box office hits for 1962. Films and Filming ranked it fourth for the year ending October 31, 1962, behind only The Guns of Navarone, Dr. No, and The Young Ones.

Critical reception

Only Two Can Play earned praise from New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther, who lauded its incisive satire and Peter Sellers' exceptional acting. Crowther highlighted the clever screenplay crafted by Bryan Forbes and the skilled direction of Sidney Gilliat. Sellers' convincing depiction of a union official who becomes an unfaithful librarian was recognized as elevating the film beyond the usual comedic fare of its time.

The film received a 4 out of 5 star rating from The Radio Times Guide to Films, which applauded its effective combination of farcical elements and social commentary. The guide particularly noted Sellers' measured performance, which lent authenticity to his role, complemented by notable contributions from Mai Zetterling, Virginia Maskell, and Richard Attenborough.

According to film historian Leslie Halliwell, the movie stands as a well-developed and enjoyable realistic comedy, featuring unforgettable scenes and representing one of Sellers' final major character portrayals.

Accolades

At the 1963 BAFTA awards, Only Two Can Play was nominated in the category of Best Film.

External links

• Only Two Can Play at ReelStreets