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MovieMail's Review
When watching this government-set film from 1961, it is hard to resist the temptation to spot modern day equivalents of some of the characters, from the oily Peter Mandelson-esque schemer (Donald Pleasence) to the moral, socialist stalwart (Stanley Holloway), reminiscent of Tony Benn.
Johnnie himself is a popular Labour politician denied a role in government and tempted into overthrowing the PM. As played by Peter Finch (who won a BAFTA for this role), Johnnie emerges as a complex character who is alternately idealistic and cynical, honourable and duplicitous.
The film features some daring moments for its time, such as the scene where Johnnie picks up a prostitute, and the intensely cynical view of politics is remarkably prescient.
A terrific cast fleshes out the supporting roles (Billie Whitelaw, playing a lovelorn neighbour, and Donald Pleasence, are particularly impressive), but this is Finch’s film. He delivers an acute portrait of a flawed, potentially decent politician who is unfulfilled and consumed by disappointment.
A 1960s drama, No Love for Johnnie stars Peter Finch as a parliamentary MP whose thirst for greater power leads him into political intrigue.
Johnnie Byrne (Finch) is a Labour MP who aspires to the big-time. His hopes are raised when his party triumphs in a general election, but Johnnie is overlooked for a role on the front benches. To top it off, his wife (Rosalie Crutchley) has just left him and balancing two mistresses, including the youthful Pauline (Mary Peach), is proving difficult. When Johnny is approached by a couple of fellow backbenchers for help in a scheme that may destabilise the government but advance their careers, Johnny is faced with an important choice.
