Only Two Can Play

Only Two Can Play is a classic British comedy film from 1962, directed by Sidney Gilliat and based on the novel "That Uncertain Feeling" by Kingsley Amis. The film prominently features an outstanding performance by the iconic actor Peter Sellers, who displays his remarkable comedic talent throughout. Mai Zetterling and Virginia Maskell also contribute significantly to the film’s memorable cast.

Peter Sellers portrays the character of John Lewis, a frustrated, underpaid, and underappreciated assistant librarian in the fictitious Welsh town of Aberdarcy. Lewis is a determined man who aspires to improve his living conditions and career prospects, despite residing in a town with minimal opportunities. He enjoys a relatively quiet life, characterized by a loving yet often mundane marriage to his loyal wife, Jean, played by Virginia Maskell. Their relationship helps illustrate the struggle of aspiring to achieve more while balancing the comfort of consistency and routine.

The introduction of Mai Zetterling’s character, Liz, adds a twist to Lewis's life. Liz is the wife of a prominent local council member and expresses her interest in the arts. She enters the narrative like a breath of fresh air, disrupting Lewis's life in Aberdarcy with an attractive appeal of sophistication, affluence, and an understanding of the arts. John, despite his marriage to Jean, finds himself tempted by Liz's charm and the potential excitement she brings to his otherwise monotonous life.

Only Two Can Play is a film set in the backdrop of a small town where opportunities are few, and aspirations run high. It depicts the dilemma of a common man juggling his ambitions and moral considerations. The film is enriched by Sellers’ comic flair and expressive facial features that easily elicit laughter. At the same time, he proficiently embodies the realism of the character's class and occupational boundaries, using humour as a tool to highlight the frustrations of a man stuck in a lower-tier job with limited prospects.

The performances of the lead actors are complemented by a talented ensemble cast. Notably, Richard Attenborough’s production gives the movie a touch of flair and quality, which has allowed it to age well and ensure its continued relevance. The film primarily focuses on amusement through character interactions and comedic suspense rather than relying solely on one-dimensional punchlines.

Comedy, with a careful blend of drama and reality, characterizes Only Two Can Play. The audience is treated to occasional moments of intense hilarity complemented by ample spurts of situational comedy, making for an enjoyable watch. However, beneath the comedy lies a layer of realism, as the film subtly portrays the endeavours, dreams, and struggles of the middle class during the time of its setting.

Visually, the film represents its time. The production design as well as costumes evoke the early 1960s – the styles, colors, and even the attitudes and sensibilities. This setting frames the characters’ struggles and aspirations, adding a healthy dose of nostalgia for the audiences.

The film's strengths lie in its script, adapted by Bryan Forbes from Kingsley Amis's source material. The narrative structure is cleverly crafted and efficiently paced, ensuring that the elements of humour and drama do not stagnate but continually evolve and interact in engaging ways. As such, while being amusing, it remains thought-provoking.

Only Two Can Play takes you on a comedic ride through the life and dilemmas of an ambitious small-town man confronting temptation. The film encapsulates how class, love, desires, and choices intersect and shape individuals’ lives. With its rich performances and subtle societal commentary, it isn't just a romp of comedy, but a layered cinematic offering that presents a satirical take on life's predicaments and promises.

In conclusion, Only Two Can Play is a well-crafted comedy-drama film that effectively combines Peter Sellers' natural comedic talent with an underpinning of societal commentary, making this film a timeless British classic. Its striking portrayal of aspirations against a seemingly bleak backdrop ensures that the film delivers on both laughs and pathos. Whether you're a fan of classic comedy films or simply appreciate well-told stories, this movie is sure to provide an enriching and entertaining viewing experience.