This is one of Caines best films and proof that with the right material he can be a very good actor. The story is based on the popular 1960's British theme of human emotions and how the central character faces up to their shortcomings.
All the rest supporting roles are excellent. As a period 1960's piece, the film is almost flawless and Sonny Rollins' jazzy soundtrack is beautiful. The ending of the film is very moving with Caine summing up his life and the arty end credits being run whilst Cher sings Burt Bacharach's "Alfie" theme tune. Watch it and your views on life will change.
While Alfie did not win any Academy Awards, it was nominated for a slew of them. Best Picture, Best Actor (Caine), Best Supporting Actress (Vivien Merchant),Best Writing and Best Music/Original Song(Burt Bacharach and Hal David).
It won the 1967 Golden Globe for Best English-Language Foreign Film.
It can be said that Alfie is an excellent introduction to Michael Caine's work and, for all its flaws, it remains an outstanding film.
Let's play such a beautiful original song.
Words & Music by Hal David & Burt Bacharach
Recorded by Dionne Warwick, 1967(After Cher in the movie)
AM7 Bm7-5 AM7 Dalt D9
What's it all about, Al - fie?
Bm7-5 AM7 Cdim F#m C#m7-5 F#7
Is it just for the moment we live?
Bm7 Cdim AM7 F#m7
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
D9 Bm7-5 Cdim Fdim
Are we meant to take more than we give?
Bm7-5 D9 Bm7 E7/9
Or are we meant to be kind?
Cdim E7/9 AM7 Bm7-5 AM7 Dalt D9
And if only fools are kind, Al - fie,
Bm7-5 AM7 Cdim F#m C#m7-5 F#7
Then I guess that it's wise to be cruel;
Bm7 Cdim AM7 F#m7
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
D9 Bm7 Cdim Bm7-5 G#7
What will you lend on an old Gol - den Rule?
G#m7 Gdim Am7 F#m7 B7 C#7
*As sure as I believe there's a Heaven above, Alfie,
G#m7 Gdim Am7
I know there's something much more,
F#m7 D9 Cdim Bm7-5 E7/9 Fdim
Something even non-believers can believe in.
AM7 Bm7-5 AM7 Dalt D
I believe in love, Al - fie;
D9 Bm7-5 Fdim AM7 C#m7-5 F#m
Without true love, we just exist, Al - fie;
D9 Bm7-5 Fdim AM7 G#7 F#m7 Fdim B7
Until you find the love you missed, you're noth - ing, Al - fie;
D9 Bm7-5 Cdim E7/9
When you walk, let your heart lead the way,
D9 Bm7-5 E7/9 E7 Cdim AM7
And you'll find love any day, Al - fie...Al - fie.
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