The Promoter

A charming and ambitious young man from a poor background, Alec Guinness as Edward Henry "Denry" Machin, finds many ways to raise himself through the ranks in business and social standing, including sneaking into a "school for the sons of gentlemen", becoming a junior clerk to a solicitor, and advancing loans at high interest rates. He becomes embroiled with a predatory woman, Ruth Earp (Glynis Johns), and eventually marries Nellie Cotterill (Petula Clark), who helps him realize his true feelings and secure his place as the youngest mayor in history.