Frustration!

I prefer the last one. The guy's face is so interesting, the other head behind distracted me.

Nice picture though

Moi aussi.

G

I like the grain and color of original. That makes the feeling !
The shoulder on the left should be cropped out as you did.
I wonder what happens, if you crop a little bit from the upper edge and a tiny ribbon from the bottom - just to give it back more of the original proportions. It might give him more "the direction of sight".
Another guy doesnt upset me. I almost do not notice it.

Still note sure about the shoulder on the left although I did try a sliver off the bottom. Having something on the left means you can see that they guy is talking to someone.

I'll check the original again as there may be more of that person - who was a very smart young lady, a great contrast to this chap who obviously had huge pretensions to be an 'artist'.

Mike

Was he showing her some b&w prints?

G

I actually prefer your final edited version, I find the guy behind him draws my eye out from the main character. It is a great shot and I do love the hues.