A charming and ambitious young man finds many ways to raise himself through the ranks in business and social standing - some honest, some not quite so. If he can just manage to avoid a certain very predatory woman.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Alec GuinnessEdward Henry 'Denry' Machin | Edward Henry 'Denry' Machin |
 Glynis JohnsRuth Earp | Ruth Earp |
 Valerie HobsonCountess of Chell | Countess of Chell |
 Petula ClarkNellie Cotterill | Nellie Cotterill |
 Edward ChapmanMr. Duncalf | Mr. Duncalf |
| VVeronica TurleighMrs. Machin | Mrs. Machin |
 George DevineMr. Calvert | Mr. Calvert |
 Joan HicksonMrs. Codleyn | Mrs. Codleyn |
 Frank PettingellPolice Superintendent | Police Superintendent |
 Gibb McLaughlinEmery | Emery |
 Peter CopleyP. Shillitoe (uncredited) | P. Shillitoe (uncredited) |
| MMark DalyLord Mayor (uncredited) | Lord Mayor (uncredited) |
| DDeidre DoyleWidow Hullins (uncredited) | Widow Hullins (uncredited) |
 Henry EdwardsMr. Cotterill (uncredited) | Mr. Cotterill (uncredited) |
| LLyn EvansCregeen (uncredited) | Cregeen (uncredited) |
 Wilfrid Hyde-WhiteLord at the Liverpool Dock | Lord at the Liverpool Dock |
 Michael HordernBank Manager | Bank Manager |
| MMatthew GuinnessDenry as a Boy | Denry as a Boy |