Watch Nothing But the Best

Nothing But the Best is a British satirical comedy film, directed by Clive Donner and released in 1964. The movie stars Alan Bates, Denholm Elliott, and Harry Andrews in leading roles. The story revolves around Jimmy Brewster (Alan Bates), a young man with big ambitions of rising above his lower-class background and social standing. Jimmy works as a clerk in a laundry but dreams of living a lavish lifestyle by any means necessary. He becomes obsessed with the idea of climbing the social ladder and finding success, and he is willing to go to any lengths to achieve his goals. One day, Jimmy meets Charlie Prince (Denholm Elliott), a wealthy young man who shows him the ropes of high society. Through Charlie, Jimmy gains access to the elite circles of society that he could only have dreamt of. He pretends to be a successful businessman, a writer, and even a gourmet chef in order to impress and ingratiate himself with the wealthy and influential. Jimmy is eventually able to succeed in his attempt to climb the social ladder, but not without causing a lot of chaos and destruction in his wake. Along the way, he manipulates and deceives the people around him, and sacrifices his personal relationships in pursuit of his socio-economic ambitions. The film is a biting satire on the British class system and the lengths to which people go to succeed in the world. It is a humorous and witty commentary on society's obsession with status, and the lengths people will go to protect and maintain their social positions. Alan Bates gives a standout performance as the protagonist, Jimmy Brewster. He captures the character's ambition, cunning, and ruthlessness incredibly well. Denholm Elliott also shines as Charlie Prince, the suave and sophisticated socialite who takes Jimmy under his wing. Harry Andrews, who plays Sir William, also delivers a strong performance as an influential businessman who is both impressed and wary of Jimmy's meteoric rise. The film is beautifully shot and has a great period feel, with stunning locations and set designs that bring the 1960s to life. The witty script, written by novelist Frederic Raphael, is filled with clever dialogue and sharp observations on class, wealth, and ambition. Overall, Nothing But the Best is a brilliant satire on English class and society, with great performances and direction. The film remains a classic of its genre and is a must-watch for anyone interested in British cinema and culture.