Adiós Mr. Chips

In the top TEN films of all time, I want to believe that Mr Chips exists for all school-children, that his spirit still hovers around places of learning waiting to guide those who might follow his lead as to decency, strength of character, gentility of nature and spiritual purity. Alas, Mr Chips is not required in 2001!

This film, the story of a gentle English teacher at a British Boarding school, is so timeless and emotionally involving, I find it hard to write about it without having to control my own feelings. Not a wuss by one hell of a long shot, and having last openly cried probably the last time I saw this film, I can only say that exposure to Robert Donat's performance here in the role which won him the most deserving of Academy Awards, is perhaps one of the greatest things can happen in your life. If you think I might be exaggerating, do me a favor - don't watch it! If you watch it and aren't moved, especially when his wife dies, then your life is meaningless!

GOODBYE MR CHIPS is probably the most beautiful film of all time and is a reminder of what we are all really here for. It's not that new pair of trendy shoes, the Rolex, the yellow drop-top with twin exhaust, that sharp Armani suit, the Chanel parfum, the 50,000 shares you picked up for a song last week, your blonde-tipped rinse, Nike shoes or $100 tie.....its for what Mr Chips STOOD for in 1939...and I got news for you, he's still here with his text-book open at the next lesson!

As a classic film buff, I consider "Goodbye, Mr Chips" one of the best I have ever seen. In part, that is due to Robert Donat's incredible performance as,"Chips." He WAS Chips, and it was silly to try and remake a proven classic, though Peter O'Toole was not a bad choice in casting.

Donat captured the essence of Chips' shy personna and his love for "his boys," in one of the most sensitive performances I've ever had the pleasure to watch. In a year that arguably produced some of the greatest movies in film in history, "Goodbye, Mr Chips" ranks in the top 5 of all time.

I give it a 10!

Here's another one of those old-fashioned movies in which people are all nice: no villains. It's a refreshing change of pace, once in a while, at least for me.

Sometimes it's relaxing just to just kick back with a story that just makes you feel good, doesn't upset you at any time. There are some touching scenes with some sadness in here, too, however, but the sincere story and great acting make you glad you watched it.

Robert Donat, as Mr. Chippings, is a pleasure to watch, particularly when he plays the character in his declining years. Greer Garson gets equal if not top billing, but that's not right. Her role is not that big in this picture.

Another nice feature you don't see much, at least in post-1960 films - all respectful kids in here, with manners. Nice adults, nice kids, nice story - probably too corny for most people of today in our cynical world. Too bad. Their loss.

The more I read on IMDB the more I realise that so many people interested in movies do not consider films more than 25 years or so old. I suspect that this is because most users of IMDB are aged 30 - 40 ish. Goodbye Mr Chips is exactly (on first sight) the type of movie that many of you would not even consider viewing. It has no special effects, cost peanuts to make, no clever camera work but it does have those three essentials - superb story, great script and staggeringly good acting from Donat. The movie is about life, relationships, about despair and decency and the power of love. What more could anybody ask for in a movie? If this film doesn't move and inspire you then truly nothing will.

P.S. the Peter O'Toole version is pretty dire!!

A lot of people were mystified that Clark Gable did not win the Oscar for "Gone With The Wind", but as good as he was, he had to play 2nd fiddle to Robert Donat for his amazing performance as Mr. Chipping in "Goodbye Mr. Chips". His was one of the really great acting achievements, and certainly the best he ever did. One has to wonder if ill-health had not shortened his life, just how many more Awards he would have got - but then not many roles like Mr. Chips came along. In what was one of her very early roles, Greer Garson made a lovely Mrs. Chipping - just right for this. Ably supporting was Paul Henreid and Terry Kilburn, but Donat shone like a beacon. The atmosphere of that gentle time in England was well captured by Sam Wood, and this truly is a film for film buffs to really enjoy. If you can get it on DVD or Tape, do so.