Sesso peccato e... castità

This is a terrific example of a number of little English gems that Sellers made before his international stardom as Inspector Clouseau in the Pink Panther. The writing and directing are wonderful as is the great black and white cinematography that captures a dismal Welsh mining town. See it if you can find it.

"Only Two Can Play" is a sophisticated comedy and drama set in the fictional town of Aberdarcy, Wales. Peter Sellers is a librarian who's going through a mid-life crisis. In the mid-20th century, it was variously known as the seven-year itch. These and other such terms (marital wanderlust coming closest with its "lust" ending) described a phase some married men went through when they began to have thoughts about women other than their wives.

Sellers' John Lewis is married and has two children. The affection he shows his kids, and the relationship he has with his wife, Jean, portrays him as a decent chap who loves his wife and kids. There's just that temptation he gets frequently when he looks at very attractive women.

Virginia Maskell is very good as Jean Lewis, and judging from their discussions, John's problem is something she's aware of. This is a rather candid look, with comedy, at this sort of travail that befalls a number of men and marriages after a few years. It's something any number of couples must have faced as the 20th century moved past the middle and divorce rates climbed significantly.

The comedy here is mostly in some very funny dialog that involves Lewis, his wife, and some others. But there are also a couple of hilarious scenes in which Lewis is waylaid in his amorous pursuits of another particular woman. Mai Zetterling plays the part of Liz very well. She is the wife of a wealthy member of the landed gentry, Vernon Griffith-Williams. Some other actors have delightful parts that contribute to the humor. John Le Mesurier as Salter and Richard Attenborough as Gareth Probert have some very funny roles. Maudie Edwards is a hoot as Mrs. Edna Davies, the Lewis's landlady.

Don't look for Sellers in an Inspector Clouseau role here (from the Pink Panther series). This is one of his more astute comedy roles. He is at his best in such a role as a subtle, knowing and sharp John Lewis who just can't seem to keep from muffing things. But, he's on his toes otherwise and able to spar verbally with foe and friend alike.

Here are some favorite lines from the film. For more humorous dialog, see the Quotes section under this IMDb Web page of the movie. And, oh yes, the name of the play that Probert wrote and is directing at the Aberdarcy community playhouse, is "Bowen Thomas, Tailor of Llandilo."

John Lewis, showing a book to a library patron, "It's got quite a history, this one. It was only taken off the banned list in 1959. Since then, of course, it hasn't been asked for."

Mr. Hyman, returning a book to the library, "You got any more books like that?" John Lewis, "Well, not exactly like that, My Hyman, no. Not quite so many egg stains."

John Lewis, "You know what they say, don't you? A page a day keeps the analyst away."

John Lewis, "There's no doubt about it. I'd be much better off as a road sweeper."

Gareth Probert, "How are you, Lewis? Still peddling trash to the masses?" John Lewis, "Yes, that's right, yes. How about you -- still writing it?"

John Lewis, "Well, as dramatic critic of the Aberdarcy Chronicle at 10 bob a time, I suppose I should agree with you, sir. However, in my own opinion, I think he's a puffed up, under-sized, four-eyed little twit. Excuse me, won't you?" Vernon Gruffydds-Williams, "Fascinating."

John Lewis, to Gareth Probert, "I was plowing through your novel again the other day."

Mrs. Gruffydds-Williams (Liz), "You wouldn't like to go with some of us for a drink tonight, would you?" John Lewis, "Well, uh, that's very kind of you but, uh, unfortunately it's the children. You see, it's illegal to leave them unattended after dark."

John Lewis, "Um, how will I find you again?" Mrs. Gruffydds-Williams (Liz), slipping off her shoes, "I'll leave a trail."

John Lewis, "They should have used you in the tank corps." Mrs. Gruffydds-Williams (Liz), "They did."

Mrs. Edna Davies, "In for the night, are you Mr. Lewis?" John Lewis, "If I was going out for the night, I'd be pointing the other way, Mrs. Davies."

Gareth Probert, "Boy, tied to a man like this must be unspeakable hell." Jean Lewis, "No, I wouldn't say unspeakable."

John Lewis, "If I might be allowed to sum up a gem of exquisite Welsh prose, 'Push off while you are still in one piece.'"

Mrs. Edna Davies, "Oh, going out are you, Mr. Lewis?" John Lewis, "Oh, very observant of you, Mrs. Davies." Mrs. Davies, "Leaving the children alone, I suppose?" Lewis, "Yes. I put the oil stove close to the cot and I turned the wick on." Mrs. Davies, "You are not fit to have charge of children the way you carry on, Mr. Lewis." Lewis, "Well, I must get on with my boozin' now, Mrs. Davies. I have enjoyed our little chat."

This an unconsidered little pearl and indicates where British film comedy might have gone in the 60s and 70s had it not tumbled into the abyss of the Carry On series and the Neanderthal Confessions of a Window Cleaner/Driving Instructor etc. The former was bad but the latter made Sid, Kenneth and co look like the RSC. This Sellers vehicle on the other hand, from a book by Kingsley Amis, is tightly written,well acted and genuinely funny. Apart from Sellers, Richard Attenborough is particularly good as Probert the belligerent Welsh bard who in deference to his role model has no intention of going gentle into that good night. His acerbic exchanges with Sellers' librarian are the highlights of the film. And unlike practically( I must exclude Shirley Eaton!) any female who ever appeared in either of the horrendous series mentioned above Mai Zetterling is sexy and believable. A great treat for a rainy afternoon and a chance to reassess whether Sellers' best work was in Strangelove and the Cloiseau films or were some of his earlier more understated characterisations actually superior.

"Only Two Can Play" is a slice of life comedy made in 1962. Based on a novel by Kingsley Amis, it concerns an assistant librarian, John Lewis (Peter Sellars) who has a chance at a better position and a raise, contingent upon him sleeping with the council chairman's wife (Mai Zetterling). He has a beautiful if exhausted wife at home (Virginia Maskell) and children, and the confines of his home are a little tight and chaotic. Lewis attempts to make a go of the affair, with humor and poignancy as the result.

This is a very well acted film, and a very satisfying one. Sellars wasn't a huge star yet, but all the elements are there. Mai Zetterling, primarily remembered today as a director, was a marvelous actress and very sexy. In her book, "All Those Tomorrows" she describes her experiences living with Tyrone Power and being madly in love with him for several years. That was some life she had. This was the last film Virginia Maskell would make for a time - she married after this movie and did very little until 1967. Sellars tried to get her replaced in the film, but the director refused. It seems odd, because she was very good. After the birth of a child in 1967, she became acutely depressed and ultimately overdosed on antidepressants. A sad end for a fine actress. The rest of the cast is excellent as well.

A very good film, well worth seeing.

Having have lived in the Welsh Valleys for a good while a few years ago, I really feel for this poignant, witty and largely forgotten and unknown little drama about a librarian. And his wife and his little 'adventure' on the side.

It's far sweeter than the average English kitchen sink, is superbly adapted from a Kinglsey Amis novel and features an array of familiar faces, from John Le Messieur and Richard Attenborough with Kenneth Griffith as a rather ridiculed and pathetically nerdy fellow librarian.

Peter Sellers is natural, the accent pitch perfect and his wife and family (great little daughter, full of big-eyed mischief & wonder) believable. His foray into an affair is rather glaringly obvious for a close-knit valley town to realistically withstand though I think there's a good balance between 'nudge-nudge, wink-wink' innuendo, which is usually wittily rather than crudely expressed and the more hum-drum, everyday scenes. Comedy is in there, but as a supporting act, so to speak and is nicely done.

Librarians generally get a rather staid and boring label and it would be far too obvious - and wrong - to have a zany character, or Sellers playing one. But, as in any profession, libraries employ different sorts and get all manner of customers.

Overall there's a warmth and freshness that I find endearing, though I might be a little biased. If you get a chance to see it, go for it. Apart from my originally seeing it on UK TV about 6 years ago, I've not seen that it's been shown since and only now have I been reacquainted with it on DVD. You can find it on The Peter Sellers Collection, included with it are I'm Alright Jack and Heaven's Above along with a disc that features a compilation of Seller's best TV work.