An amusing, moving and meaningful picture. Although for much of the way it tinkles along with the innocent merriment of a carousel, it dips into reality for its climax, and makes a valid and indelible impression.

| Aug 24, 2017

For all its implicit misogyny, the original 1966 film version of Bill Naughton's play remains durable because of Michael Caine's career-defining performance as the cockney ladies' man.

| Feb 10, 2012

Caine plays the sodding little spiv with a raucous charm that makes Alfie seem more interesting than he actually is.

| Apr 20, 2010

Behind its alley-cat philosophy, there's some shrewd sense, some pointed barbs and a sharp moral.

| Mar 26, 2009

Of course he gets his comeuppance, in an ending that has all the moral weight and sincerity of a DeMille sex'n'sawdust spectacular. Good performances, though.

| Feb 9, 2006

The question the film asks is, "Why not?" Surely life is to be enjoyed? The answer is grimmer than you expect.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 12, 2001

A minor British classic and a valuable record of the hedonistic Swinging 60s.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 12, 2001