Joe Lampton is a young man living in a small town in Northern England after World War II. He aspires to escape his working-class background and tries to climb the social ladder by pursuing a relationship with an heiress, Susan. However, he also becomes involved with Alice, a married woman. Joe's actions lead to a tragic turn of events that ultimately change his life forever.

Life at the Top (1965) is a drama film based on a novel, following the story of a socialite dealing with class snobbery, infidelity, and her struggles in life.