Synopsis:
Social-climber Joe Lampton (Laurence Harvey) sets his romantic sights on Susan (Heather Sears), the daughter of a wealthy family, but meets with resistance because of his lower class standing. Meanwhile, Joe carries on a passionate, no-strings-attached affair with unhappily married Alice Aisgill (Simone Signoret). But when the consequences of Joe's romantic attachments come to fruition, little remains but pain and disappointment.

Awards and Recognition:
Best Actress in a Leading Role - Simone Signoret, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Academy Awards, 1960)
Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Director nominations (Academy Awards, 1960)
Best Film from Any Source, Best British Film, Best Foreign Actress - Simone Signoret (BAFTA Awards, 1959)
Best British Actor - Laurence Harvey, Best British Actor - Donald Wolfit, Best British Actress - Hermione Baddeley, Most Promising Newcomer to Film - Mary Peach nominations (BAFTA Awards, 1959)
Best Actress - Simone Signoret (Cannes Film Festival, 1959)
Samuel Goldwyn International Award (Golden Globes, 1960)
Best Actress - Drama nomination (Golden Globes, 1960)
Best Actress - Simone Signoret, Top Foreign Films (National Board of Review, 1959)
Best Film, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director nominations (NYFCC Awards, 1959)

Restoration:
Restored by the BFI in 2019 for its 60th Anniversary