A classic Alec Guinness performance, in this case as Denry Machin, a man who sees opportunity around every corner. Typified by his line 'I just do this to make money', Machin is likable as he sets up his 'Thrift Club' to entice locals into giving him money so he can purchase goods at a huge discount.

One of the first entrepreneurs, Machin is a lovable rogue and his story is a fun one to watch. A great British classic which showcases Guinness (one of our best actors) alongside British movie luminaries Glynis Johns, Valerie Hobson, and Petula Clark.

Much later this story was made into a musical, but sadly that has never yet been filmed. It will be fascinating if that ever makes it to the screen.

The Card must have been an interesting if somewhat painful film for Alec Guinness to make. This might have been the most autobiographical piece of work Guinness ever did.

In The Card Guinness plays the son of washerwoman who learned early on to keep an eye out for the main chance and always strive to improve yourself by whatever means. In real life Guinness's mother should only have been a washerwoman In fact she was a prostitute who never married his father, whomever that could have been. In real life Guinness overcame bigger obstacles than his character in The Card ever did.

But I'm sure he drew from real life in playing Denny Machin. Guinness in 91 minutes goes from a humble clerk to a position of real power in his area of England. The story is how he did it, the legal and extralegal methods employed and the people he used. When you think about it, The Card is a kinder, gentler version of Room At The Top.

Guinness courts two women on his way up, Valerie Hobson the widow of a local lord and dancing instructor Glynis Johns. Glynis is quite the climber herself as we learn when the story unfolds. In fact she nearly steals the film from Guinness, no easy task.

The Card which was released in the USA under the title of The Promoter is a good followup to such other Guinness everyman roles like he had in The Lavendar Hill Mob. The screenplay is quite good, I was kept very entertained seeing how Guinness could always make lemonade out of lemons. Definitely required viewing for Alec Guinness's legion of fans.

This is a decent film--not a great one. But, because it has such lovely acting, I was able to overlook the fact that the writing could have been a bit better. After all, compared to other Alec Guinness films this one is pretty ordinary--but it's STILL an Alec Guinness film--which says a lot.

Guinness plays a humble clerk who through a lot of drive, determination and conniving, he's able to quickly get ahead in life. He isn't necessarily a bad man--just an amazing opportunist--sort of like a British version of "How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying" set around 1900...but with less comedy. In fact, the lack of comedy is the film's weakest point. While it has a few droll moments, the film lacked the dark humor of Guinness' best (such as "The Lavender Hill Mob", "The Man in the White Suit" and "Kind Hearts and Coronets"). Instead, it's kind of cute, a tad funny and just a bit clever.

While I am not a huge fan of Glynnis Johns (mostly due to her voice--which limited her range),here she is at her best. I think this is because her character is VERY deep--she's certainly not who you initially think she is and she is probably the funniest thing in the film.

Overall, enjoyable and a must-see for any fan of Alec Guinness. However, if you aren't a fan, try watching some of the films I mentioned above first--they are a bit better.