Only Two Can Play is a 1962 British comedy film directed by Sidney Gilliat and starring Peter Sellers, Mai Zetterling, and Virginia Maskell. The film is based on the 1955 novel "That Uncertain Feeling" by Kingsley Amis and is set in the fictional South Wales town of Aberdarcy, largely filmed in and around Swansea, which was Amis's model for Aberdarcy. It revolves around a frustrated librarian in Swansea, Wales, torn between his wife and a glamorous married woman who wants to have an affair. The film explores themes of marriage and infidelity, and it was the first comedy to receive an X certificate in the United Kingdom. The movie has been praised for its sly and personal take on the subject matter, and Peter Sellers delivers a notable performance in the lead role.
Plot
Only Two Can Play is a 1962 British comedy film starring Peter Sellers as a Welsh librarian, John Lewis, who is dissatisfied with his married life and career. The plot revolves around John's daydreams of having an affair with an attractive woman, which leads him to consider accepting the amorous advances of a board member's wife in order to improve his professional position. The film explores themes of marital dissatisfaction and the temptation of infidelity, with a witty script and notable performances by the cast.
Trailer
Cast
- Peter Sellers as John Lewis
- Mai Zetterling as Liz
- Virginia Maskell as Jean
- Richard Attenborough as Probert
- Kenneth Griffith as Ieuan Jenkins
- Marjie Lawrence as Mrs. Davies
- Graham Stark as Mr. Parry
- John Le Mesurier as Mr. Grouch
- Raymond Huntley as Mr. Gruffydd-Williams
- David Davies as Mr. Evans
- Meredith Edwards as Mr. Lloyd
- Eynon Evans as Mr. Jones
- Frederick Piper as Mr. Price
- Sheila Manahan as Mrs. Lloyd
- John Arnatt as Mr. Lloyd's friend
Director: Sidney Gilliat
Writer: Bryan Forbes
Distributor: Kingsley-International Pictures Inc., RCA/Columbia
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 20, 1962
Theme
Only Two Can Play explores themes of marital dissatisfaction and the temptation of infidelity. The film portrays the protagonist's daydreams of having an affair with an attractive woman, which leads him to consider accepting the amorous advances of a board member's wife in order to improve his professional position. The film also touches on the themes of ambition, class, and the mundanity of everyday life.
Reception
Only Two Can Play was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its witty script, notable performances by the cast, and its sly and personal take on the subject matter. Peter Sellers, in particular, was lauded for his performance in the lead role. The film was the first comedy to receive an X certificate in the United Kingdom.
Settings, Visual Styles, and Techniques
The film is set in the fictional South Wales town of Aberdarcy, which was largely filmed in and around Swansea, Wales. The film features a realistic and naturalistic visual style, with a focus on character development and dialogue. The film employs a number of techniques, including voice-over narration, dream sequences, and flashbacks.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- Only Two Can Play is based on the 1955 novel "That Uncertain Feeling" by Kingsley Amis.
- The film was directed by Sidney Gilliat and the screenplay was written by Bryan Forbes.
- The film was the first comedy to receive an X certificate in the United Kingdom.
- The film was shot on location in Swansea, Wales, which was Amis's model for Aberdarcy.
- The film was released in the United States under the title "The Girl in the Window”