Man At The Top

Man At The Top

1970 - United Kingdom

Man at the Top takes up the continuing story of Joe Lampton, the aggressively ambitious anti-hero of John Braine's bestselling novel Room at the Top, its award-winning film adaptation of 1958, and 1965 sequel Life at the Top. Kenneth Haigh's portrayal of Joe Lampton earned him a BAFTA nomination, while accomplished film and stage actress Zena Walker is Joe's long-suffering wife, Susan. 

This intense, compelling drama series was created and co-written by John Braine, and George Markstein features among the producers. Thirteen years on from his marriage to the pregnant Susan - a condition of his continuing promotion by Susan's father and his then boss, Mr. Brown - Joe Lampton has a new home in Surrey's stockbroker belt and a career as a management consultant. As pushy and hard-headed as ever, he will go to any lengths to keep a grip on his position. Joe remains married to Susan and the couple now have two children, but his attentions rarely remain fixed and he does not fail to take advantage of all that his status and connections bring within his reach; this inevitably includes the attractive and available women he encounters. A single event, however, causes Joe to re-assess his life - with far-reaching consequences. A feature film based on the TV series was produced by Hammer / Dufton Films in 1973

Published on January 2nd, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Anglo Saxon Attitudes

From Angus Wilson's remarkable post-war novel, Anglo Saxon Attitudes has a typically rich and interwoven cast of Wilson characters.

Also tagged Drama Series

Danger Island

A 12-year old boy overhears two sinister men plotting to assassinate their country's ruler.

Also tagged Drama Series

Brendon Chase

Classic children's story shown over thirteen episodes concerning the Hensman brothers, Robin, John and Harold, who spend eight months living as outlaws in the forest of Brendon Chase.

Also tagged Drama Series

Albert and Victoria

Alfred Marks starring comedy vehicle produced by Yorkshire Television and set, as the title suggests, in the late 19th century when Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert were the figureheads on the British throne.

Also released in 1970

Crime of Passion TV series

In France crime passionnel (or crime of passion) was a valid defence during murder cases; during the 19th century, some cases could result in a custodial sentence for two years for the murderer.

Also released in 1970

The Baker Street Boys

Based on a group of street urchins whom Conan Doyle recruited on behalf of Holmes to perform various missions, take messages, search London following clues and going to places where the detective himself could not.

Also tagged Drama Series

Brights Boffins

Children's comedy series about a group of scientists who work in a rambling long-forgotten Government establishment called Halfwitt House.

Also released in 1970

Girls About Town TV series

Two married women, one with her head in the clouds and the other with her feet on the ground, decide it's time their husbands took more notice of them.

Also released in 1970