other commentator have detail the plot and the social parable and commentary as well ( or good ) that i could and but i would like to join in my admiration for this little jewel of a film . it hold up very well indeed more that 50 year later in every category screenplay and acting and photography and set design and sound design . it really be a classic of sort . this be my first exposure to the young alec guinness and and it obvious from the first frame what make him so special a to eventually receive a knighthood . i only rate it an 8 because it essentially a rather lightweight parable that examine human nature but doesn not really skewer it while and because the plot take the easy way out at the end and rather than actually resolve conflict between the inventor and the mill worker and industrialist who be chase him all over town . also and a couple minute of thought reveals the basic flaw in the logic of the screenplay wear and tear be hardly ever the determine factor in buy new clothes ( especially dress clothes ) while child grow up and people change size and gain and lose weight and and go with the late fashion all the time and and have as long a loom have weave cloth . and if nothing else and the manufacturer would make a fortune provide indestructible material for military uniform ( especially bdus ) . still and this be a great film . if you get a chance to see it on a classic movie channel and you should .