Alfie versus Alfie

Watched the 1966 version of Alfie starring Michael Caine recently. Fascinating in light of reports that the Jude Law version that opens this weekend makes the title character into a nicer, post-feminist, lady’s man. Also, the abortion scene in the new Alfie is apprently very different.

The original Alfie is a close, unsympathetic study of a cad and a misogynist. He addresses a woman as "Girl," and, in his many soliloquies on the pursuit of pleasure, refers to a woman as "it." Also, he has no scruples about punching a lady should she get above herself. His cruelty extends even to his male friends, like one who is fixed up in the hospital while Alfie seduces and impregnates his wife. A fascinating abortion scene comes next, during which the grave doctor, played by Denholm Elliott, gives a little speech about what a terrible thing an abortion is.

Not only is it a violation of the law to abort a pregnancy under the circumstances, says the abortionist, but "it’s a crime against the unborn child. It’s a course never to be undertaken lightly. Have you given the matter your fullest consideration?"

The original Alfie is a rough, judgmental movie—and by today's standards, very conservative.

The comparison should make for a terrific barometer of changing attitudes. After all, in 1966, a man who introduced his girlfriend to the abortionist was a horrible person. Today he is a feminist and charming.