185 reviews
- PizzicatoFishCrouch
- Apr 26, 2006
- Permalink
- FrangipaniMozzie
- Nov 17, 2010
- Permalink
Undoubtedly one of the most perfect, brilliant comedies ever, this movie is extremely fun and revels in its dark, clever humour. What can one say about a comedy centred around a dapper, charming, likable, impoverished young English gentleman who is at the same time an utterly remorseless, ever-calculating killer who has no qualms about killing an entire line of relatives who all stand in his path to inherit the family fortune? On top of that, he all the while takes great care in preserving his demeanor and status as a gentleman; all the relatives he must eliminate are brought to life by the genius of Alec Guinness; and there's an executioner who takes pains to show proper respect to his social "superior." The dialogue, indeed pretty much all of the humour, is a shining example of "British humour" at its best. It is subtle, clever, dark, and full of irony and satire. It is pure, brilliant entertainment that doesn't stop. Comedy really can't get much better than this.
- Wulfstan10
- Mar 22, 2005
- Permalink
Robert Hamer, the director of "Kind Hearts and Coronets", one of the better comedies to come out of the Ealing studios in the late forties, created a memorable film that still keeps enchanting, no matter how many times one has seen it. This is a film that like a vintage wine gets better with age.
Of course, the right elements were put together in this venture under Mr. Hamer's direction, which is probably the best tribute one could say about the film.
Louis Mazzini, the young man who should have inherited a noble title that is lost as her mother elopes with an Italian tenor and she is disinherited. Louis is determined to regain what's due to him, by whatever means possible. Things go well for him, but he commits a mistake in entering an illicit romance with the calculating Sibella, while at the same time falling in love with the radiant Edith D'Ascoyne, the young widow.
Dennis Price gives a smart account of Louis Mazzini. He is a delight to watch as he keeps scratching off dead relatives from behind the picture frame. Alec Guinness portrays eight D'Ascoynes with an unusual panache. Best of all is Lady Agatha who encounters 'turbulence' while flying in a balloon. Valerie Hobson makes an impression with her Edith and Joan Greenwood is at her best as Sibella.
This is a film to treasure.
Of course, the right elements were put together in this venture under Mr. Hamer's direction, which is probably the best tribute one could say about the film.
Louis Mazzini, the young man who should have inherited a noble title that is lost as her mother elopes with an Italian tenor and she is disinherited. Louis is determined to regain what's due to him, by whatever means possible. Things go well for him, but he commits a mistake in entering an illicit romance with the calculating Sibella, while at the same time falling in love with the radiant Edith D'Ascoyne, the young widow.
Dennis Price gives a smart account of Louis Mazzini. He is a delight to watch as he keeps scratching off dead relatives from behind the picture frame. Alec Guinness portrays eight D'Ascoynes with an unusual panache. Best of all is Lady Agatha who encounters 'turbulence' while flying in a balloon. Valerie Hobson makes an impression with her Edith and Joan Greenwood is at her best as Sibella.
This is a film to treasure.
This is an absolute dream of a movie, a great story, plenty of laughs, and some truly astounding performances, Dennis Price is superb as the lead, Sir Alec Guinness magical as the multiple roles.
It's entertaining and funny from start to finish, taking you on an unexpectedly journey, with twists and turns, the best one of all, delivered right at the end.
Joan Greenwood was captivating, her voice and looks filled the screen.
Hard to believe this dates back to 1949, a truly sublime film. 10/10
It's entertaining and funny from start to finish, taking you on an unexpectedly journey, with twists and turns, the best one of all, delivered right at the end.
Joan Greenwood was captivating, her voice and looks filled the screen.
Hard to believe this dates back to 1949, a truly sublime film. 10/10
- Sleepin_Dragon
- May 9, 2019
- Permalink
"Kind Hearts and Coronets" is really an essay in acting from one of Britain's greatest, Sir Alec Guinness, and what better way to remember him than the film which gave him eight roles to play? True, one or two are barely given time to register before Dennis Price dispatches them (Lady Agatha would have been interesting as a fully rounded character), but those which are developed - Henry, the photography enthusiast in particular, are cleverly played and memorable. Price also does well in his role. The ladies - Joan Greenwood and Valerie Hobson - are excellent. The great strength of this film is in its black humour, and of course in its delicious twist ending. I can't bear to think of it remade with a 2000's gloss.
- ShootingShark
- Jun 17, 2005
- Permalink
This fine film is an example of Ealing at its very best, with a superlative script and acting of a very high standard. In watching, one is once more all too sadly aware of the difference in quality between British films of this era and today; there can't have been in recent times a screenplay as cleverly comic, economical and incisive as this is. The level of wit is high, and perfectly suitable for a black comedy such as this. Certain lines and scenes linger agreeably in the memory; the part where Price, in his droll narration, slips into verse, is wonderful, as is the "fight" he has with a lower-class rival; "I'm not going to drawn into a scuffle with you!"
The element of class satire is strong, and while one is shown the lethargy and complacency of the upper classes through the amusing parade of Alec Guinness' characters, Price's corrupt plans are never condemned as such. His character, vigorous and witty, and the clever tool of narration, which in its tone draws in the viewer almost as a confidant. Similarly, but to an even more effective degree than in "Whisky Galore!" (1948) and "The League of Gentlemen" (1959), the viewer is made sympathetic to wrong-doings. The stunningly executed plot and dialogue are finely put across indeed by all of the actors. In the main role, Price refines and defines the cad Mancini perfectly; it really is a great performance, making the character more than memorable. Alec Guinness is great in his 8 roles, making a distinctive actorly mark in all of them. It says a lot that in a career as formidable as Guinness', in TV, film and theatre, his contribution to this film particularly stands out. The two ladies are impeccably played by Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood, who contrast quite perfectly; Hobson as rich and strait-laced if certainly beautiful, and Greenwood as the distinctively seductive childhood friend. Price's "juggling" of his two women is wonderfully arch and amusing. The film's ending should be noted as quite ingenious and wonderfully in keeping with the film's overall wit.
In the context even of Ealing, a studio adept at clever comedies, this is an extra-special film. Along with the films of this era of Powell and Pressburger and Carol Reed, this film makes one nostalgic for the days when British film was both distinctively British and universal in its qualities. Wonderfully funny and compelling, this film is one of my few favourites of all and overwhelmingly recommended.
Rating:- *****/*****
The element of class satire is strong, and while one is shown the lethargy and complacency of the upper classes through the amusing parade of Alec Guinness' characters, Price's corrupt plans are never condemned as such. His character, vigorous and witty, and the clever tool of narration, which in its tone draws in the viewer almost as a confidant. Similarly, but to an even more effective degree than in "Whisky Galore!" (1948) and "The League of Gentlemen" (1959), the viewer is made sympathetic to wrong-doings. The stunningly executed plot and dialogue are finely put across indeed by all of the actors. In the main role, Price refines and defines the cad Mancini perfectly; it really is a great performance, making the character more than memorable. Alec Guinness is great in his 8 roles, making a distinctive actorly mark in all of them. It says a lot that in a career as formidable as Guinness', in TV, film and theatre, his contribution to this film particularly stands out. The two ladies are impeccably played by Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood, who contrast quite perfectly; Hobson as rich and strait-laced if certainly beautiful, and Greenwood as the distinctively seductive childhood friend. Price's "juggling" of his two women is wonderfully arch and amusing. The film's ending should be noted as quite ingenious and wonderfully in keeping with the film's overall wit.
In the context even of Ealing, a studio adept at clever comedies, this is an extra-special film. Along with the films of this era of Powell and Pressburger and Carol Reed, this film makes one nostalgic for the days when British film was both distinctively British and universal in its qualities. Wonderfully funny and compelling, this film is one of my few favourites of all and overwhelmingly recommended.
Rating:- *****/*****
- HenryHextonEsq
- Jul 8, 2001
- Permalink
Kind hearts and coronets is a thoroughly British film, not only in its setting but also in its humour. The film is a deliciously dark comedy of a distant relation murdering his way to become a duke. It is a very old, literate and intellectual sort of humour which permeates throughout rather than more overtly funny screwball comedies and farces of the time. The script is impeccably witty as to provide a few chuckles now and then. The film also relies heavily on voiceover, which I think adds greatly to its deadpan humour. My qualms with the film however lies with its pace- it is oddly paced, as if the first few murders happen too quickly before being followed by a lull. I think the film delights most people in how Louis find more inventive ways to kill people, and in this respect it might falter- the deaths of lady Dasconye, the general and the admiral are glossed over, and the Dukes death is not exactly inventive. The ending also strikes me as slightly odd and unsatisfying- perhaps it might've benefitted from a scene where we overtly see His memoir being discovered. All in all Kind hearts and coronets offer a literate, Intellectual sort of dark humour which might be delicious to some, but might be overly droll for others. I sit on the fence on this one- I find it slightly too restrained, though still clever and enjoyable.
- timothywalton-31924
- Mar 31, 2023
- Permalink
As is the case with most great things, the basic premise of this film is simple. There is, however, an essential darkness at the heart of the movie: the cold blooded and calculating murder of all those who stand between Dennis Price and his possible succession to a title. That this is treated in so light and civilised a way is the triumph of the film. The screenplay and performances complement each other perfectly and are a credit to all those involved. I cannot think of a weak link in the film. The casting was beautifully judged down to the most minor character. The leads are, though, just about perfect. For my money, it is the best of Dennis Price's film work (though his Jeeves on television in the 60's was good, too). Guinness was splendid and well supported by Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood. I have probably seen the film more than a dozen times in the past thirty years. Each time it offers something fresh and new. Quite simply one of the best.
- a_reynolds
- Nov 27, 2004
- Permalink
Merry black comedy from the UK and Ealing Studios, featuring Alec Guinness in eight different roles making up the D'Ascoynes Family of Edwardian England. Guinness plays the Duke, the Banker, the Parson, the General, the Admiral, young Ascoyne, young Henry and Lady Agatha, each of whom stands in the way of a disgruntled relative whose deceased mother was shunned by the family after she married for love, not money. Robert Hamer both directed and co-adapted the screenplay from a novel by Roy Horniman; he keeps a steady pace and doesn't allow Guinness to be hammy or to overwhelm the scenario (a few of the actor's incarnations are seen only in cameo, which helps). There are definite flaws in the storytelling, particularly in the lack of an investigation after one character is killed (by an exploding jar of caviar!). For the most part, a ticklish affair, one with an ironic third-act twist plus a terrific finish.
- moonspinner55
- Dec 29, 2010
- Permalink
I finally saw this "classic" and was hugely disappointed. The photography is excellent and some of the actors (Greenwood, Guinness, Price - in that order) are good, but there are two major problems. First, this is supposed to be a comedy but I smiled only once: when Louis, after several murders, reluctantly has to go hunting and tells the viewer that he disapproves of bloodsports because of his principles. Second, the story is just not interesting. This is mainly because there is not a single character whose fate I could care about. The victims are only caricatures, and Louis is such a bore that I soon kept hoping that they would hang him and get the film over with.
This is not the first time a supposed Ealing classic has left me stone cold. I also found "Whisky Galore", "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "The Ladykillers" almost totally unfunny. I know that this could cause me to be refused to ever enter Britain again, but such is life.
This is not the first time a supposed Ealing classic has left me stone cold. I also found "Whisky Galore", "The Lavender Hill Mob" and "The Ladykillers" almost totally unfunny. I know that this could cause me to be refused to ever enter Britain again, but such is life.
At the time it was made, one of the aims behind Kind Hearts and Coronets was to showcase the English language. I know of no other film which does this so well. It is this plus the superb performances which make the film, like a good book, worth returning to again and again. It is one of my two favourite films (the other being the 1960 version of "Inherit the Wind" - which also features superb dialogue. It will remain required viewing for any student, not only of the cinema, but of all that was best of a vanished age of English gentility and refinement which had by no means disappeared at the time the film was made.
- michaelhicklin
- Jul 28, 2001
- Permalink
Kind Hearts and Coronets is Ealing comedy at it's pinnacle.
From Alec Guinness we see a masterly display of his acting talent, which we can now look back on with a knowing nod, but in 1949 this was a revelation of a new young talent. From Dennis Price we see the cool, calculated killer, totally focused and utterly charming in every way, and for whom every act of homicide must never, ever, offend the sensitive nature of the English Gentleman. From the supporting cast, we see great performances from Miles Malleson as the hangman, whose determination to address the Duke correctly leads him to practice his bowing, scraping, and 'Your Grace'-ing. Also, there is a great performance from Valerie Hobson as the widowed Edith D'Ascoyne. My favourite role (other than the lead) was Joan Greenwood as Sibella Holland - played in such a sultry, seductive way that I immediately thought of Fenella Fielding in Carry On Screaming!
This is a superb movie, and one I'd recommend to anyone who wants to truly understand how movies should be made.
From Alec Guinness we see a masterly display of his acting talent, which we can now look back on with a knowing nod, but in 1949 this was a revelation of a new young talent. From Dennis Price we see the cool, calculated killer, totally focused and utterly charming in every way, and for whom every act of homicide must never, ever, offend the sensitive nature of the English Gentleman. From the supporting cast, we see great performances from Miles Malleson as the hangman, whose determination to address the Duke correctly leads him to practice his bowing, scraping, and 'Your Grace'-ing. Also, there is a great performance from Valerie Hobson as the widowed Edith D'Ascoyne. My favourite role (other than the lead) was Joan Greenwood as Sibella Holland - played in such a sultry, seductive way that I immediately thought of Fenella Fielding in Carry On Screaming!
This is a superb movie, and one I'd recommend to anyone who wants to truly understand how movies should be made.
- Paul Shrimpton
- Jan 12, 2005
- Permalink
I was made to watch this movie by my mum many, many years ago. I grumbled for maybe 15 minutes. After that, I was in love. This is definitely one of the best films I've ever seen. Ealing at its best. Alec Guinness at his best. Truly a phenomenal movie. Dark, humorous and brilliantly directed, it's definitely one of the greatest films to come out of Britain. Please rent it (if you can find it). I agree with the other comment - it's totally under-appreciated. Except by those who've seen it.
As much as I loved The Ladykillers, Kind Hearts and Coronets is my personal favourite of the Ealing comedies. One might argue that the narration is overused, I would say the narration added to the darkness, wit and charm of this superb film. The cinematography is crisp and smooth, and the score is great. Then we are treated to a deliciously witty script, that is funny, dark and has bite. The story slips smoothly between dastardly deaths in the guise of a self-satisfied memoir, and is gripping while moving along at a good pace, and the direction is secure. But it is the quality of the acting that elevates Kind Hearts and Coronets. Dennis Price is brilliant as the inventive killer, and Joan Greenwood is delicious as Sibella the vamp. Also convincing as Edith is Valerie Hobson, but the scene stealer in no less than eight roles is Alec Guinness in a real tour de force. While some of his roles are small, they perfectly show off his versatility. Overall, superb and deliciously dark Ealing comedy. 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Apr 24, 2010
- Permalink
Kind Hearts and Coronets is a morality tale and social satire combined into one. Although it is well known for the eight roles played by Alec Guinness, you will discover that some of the roles he plays are rather brief.
Louis Mazzini is played coldly and rather understated by Dennis Price. He is the grandson of the Duke of D'Ascoyne whose mother married beneath herself to a singer and was exiled by her rich family and died destitute.
Louis is toiling in a shop and ends up losing his job thanks to a D'Ascoyne and wants to get revenge against the pompous family. So he brutally bumps them off one by one and gets nearer to the line of inheritance and at the same time his social and financial status elevates.
This film is one of the well known Ealing comedies which has a dark heart. In fact the film opens in prison as Louis is facing the gallows which indicates that he might had not got away with his plans. Even then there are further twists to emerge as Louis complicated love live threatens to derail him.
Although Guinness grabs the headlines this is Price's film and he is well supported by a sly, witty and literate script.
Louis Mazzini is played coldly and rather understated by Dennis Price. He is the grandson of the Duke of D'Ascoyne whose mother married beneath herself to a singer and was exiled by her rich family and died destitute.
Louis is toiling in a shop and ends up losing his job thanks to a D'Ascoyne and wants to get revenge against the pompous family. So he brutally bumps them off one by one and gets nearer to the line of inheritance and at the same time his social and financial status elevates.
This film is one of the well known Ealing comedies which has a dark heart. In fact the film opens in prison as Louis is facing the gallows which indicates that he might had not got away with his plans. Even then there are further twists to emerge as Louis complicated love live threatens to derail him.
Although Guinness grabs the headlines this is Price's film and he is well supported by a sly, witty and literate script.
- Prismark10
- Jan 13, 2015
- Permalink
KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS
It has been a while since I watched a classic old movie, and a friend of mine recommended this one. I am glad he did. This is a very good movie.
It is about a man who grows up knowing that his family disowned his mother because of who she married... but when she passes away, he wants to get revenge on them all for the way the treated her... so he kills them all one by one.
The film stars Dennis Price as Louis. Dennis does a fantastic job... he is such a smooth character and even though he is on death row, stays calm through the movie and just writes him memoir. The film also stars Valerie Hobson & Joan Greenwood. These actresses were also very good. Joan played such a horrible woman in this film. At first you start to like her, but then her true colours come out. But the star of the movie has to be Alec Guinness. Alec plays 8 characters in this film. and he does them all brilliantly. He plays young men, old men and even a woman... but he is convincing in all the roles he takes on. The more I see of Alec, the more I think he was a great actor and not just Ben Kenobi in Star Wars.
The film was made in 1949, so as you can imagine, the effects were not great, but for the time I can imagine they were very good. You can clearly see that the grave yard scene was just a huge picture background. Also, you can see that the boat scene are model boats. But it does not ruin the movie... if anything it makes the movie better because it shows it's age.
The other thing I like about this film is it is the perfect length... i hour 40 minutes. And it felt so quick too. The film played with such a good story that the time flew by. I was hooked to it and was interested by the characters and story.
I will give this film 7 out of 10.
Another classic Alec Guinness movie... I can't wait to see another one.
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It has been a while since I watched a classic old movie, and a friend of mine recommended this one. I am glad he did. This is a very good movie.
It is about a man who grows up knowing that his family disowned his mother because of who she married... but when she passes away, he wants to get revenge on them all for the way the treated her... so he kills them all one by one.
The film stars Dennis Price as Louis. Dennis does a fantastic job... he is such a smooth character and even though he is on death row, stays calm through the movie and just writes him memoir. The film also stars Valerie Hobson & Joan Greenwood. These actresses were also very good. Joan played such a horrible woman in this film. At first you start to like her, but then her true colours come out. But the star of the movie has to be Alec Guinness. Alec plays 8 characters in this film. and he does them all brilliantly. He plays young men, old men and even a woman... but he is convincing in all the roles he takes on. The more I see of Alec, the more I think he was a great actor and not just Ben Kenobi in Star Wars.
The film was made in 1949, so as you can imagine, the effects were not great, but for the time I can imagine they were very good. You can clearly see that the grave yard scene was just a huge picture background. Also, you can see that the boat scene are model boats. But it does not ruin the movie... if anything it makes the movie better because it shows it's age.
The other thing I like about this film is it is the perfect length... i hour 40 minutes. And it felt so quick too. The film played with such a good story that the time flew by. I was hooked to it and was interested by the characters and story.
I will give this film 7 out of 10.
Another classic Alec Guinness movie... I can't wait to see another one.
For more reviews, please like my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ordinary-Person-Movie- Reviews/456572047728204?ref=hl
- richieandsam
- May 20, 2013
- Permalink
Possibly the best British film ever made. A superb performance from the much under-rated (even by himself) Dennis Price. How sad that this was to be one of his only truly great performances, but what a fantastic film to be remembered for. Whilst Alec Guiness has received deserved praise over the years for his clever portrayal of all the members of the noble d'Ascoigne family, in my opinion the film belongs to Dennis Price. The support from the two leading ladies is also something to treasure. I just love the sultry-voiced Joan Greenwood as the delightfully selfish Sybella. If you have never seen this film, WHY NOT?
- eileencochrane
- Jan 27, 2007
- Permalink
In classic English style, the main character's ironic wit pervades the entirety of this film as he commits a number of self-serving murders and romantic manipulations. This is what places Kind Hearts and Coronets firmly within the realm of black comedy while still retaining a suspenseful edge, a credit to the director's skill. The deranged yet self-assured Dennis Price as Mazzini brings a sense of cold charm to all the scenes, preventing the film from becoming too silly or disturbing.
- briancham1994
- Jul 27, 2022
- Permalink
After his mother is spurned by her wealthy relatives the D'Ascoynes and, following her death, they refuse to allow her to be buried on their land (when they all decide that she is unworthy for marrying someone who they deemed to not be her social equal) her son Louis decides to avenge the poor treatment that was bestowed on his mother by the D'Ascoynes by murdering the 8 D'Ascoyne family members who stand in his way of becoming the Duke of Chalfont...
Whilst the idea behind this film is a good one and the story is not a bad one in and of itself, it's fair to say that Kind Hearts and Coronets is a little bit slow to warm up (the build up to Louis murdering spree was a little drawn out and long-winded). Another problem with the film is that even when we get to the heart of the picture everything happens so quickly (D'ascoyne's are murdered in quick succession without much planning taking place by Louis; some of the murders are not even shown which robs the film of some of its grit). There are subplots involving Louis' involvement with 2 married women which, whilst pivotal to the story, do not feel entirely necessary.
Presumably intended as a black comedy, I have to admit that I did not find much of Kind Hearts and Coronets to be all that funny and nor did I find it to be particularly dramatic either. When watching it, I found myself to be semi-involved in proceedings, but didn't really feel any kind of deep love for the picture. The majority of the characters are shallow and unlikeable (presumably on purpose, but this doesn't always make for a pleasant viewing experience) and personally I found the film to be a little too understated lacking in both pzazz and excitement. I found it to be watchable and moderately enjoyable, but nothing more than that.
Still to end on a positive note; I did enjoy seeing Alec Guinness in multiple roles and his multiple turns here were excellent (Kind Hearts and Coronets may well be the first film to showcase an actor playing multiple roles - although I could be wrong there). I did also like the way that the film pokes fun at the 'class system' highlighting some of the ridiculous and narrow-minded attitudes of the upper crust.
For me though to truly be able to enjoy a film of this nature it needs to be exciting, funny, dramatic and/or have at the very least 1 or 2 decent characters. Kind Hearts and Coronets is made up of bits and pieces of all of these things, but not enough of any one element for me to see it as anything other than a fairly average offering.
Whilst the idea behind this film is a good one and the story is not a bad one in and of itself, it's fair to say that Kind Hearts and Coronets is a little bit slow to warm up (the build up to Louis murdering spree was a little drawn out and long-winded). Another problem with the film is that even when we get to the heart of the picture everything happens so quickly (D'ascoyne's are murdered in quick succession without much planning taking place by Louis; some of the murders are not even shown which robs the film of some of its grit). There are subplots involving Louis' involvement with 2 married women which, whilst pivotal to the story, do not feel entirely necessary.
Presumably intended as a black comedy, I have to admit that I did not find much of Kind Hearts and Coronets to be all that funny and nor did I find it to be particularly dramatic either. When watching it, I found myself to be semi-involved in proceedings, but didn't really feel any kind of deep love for the picture. The majority of the characters are shallow and unlikeable (presumably on purpose, but this doesn't always make for a pleasant viewing experience) and personally I found the film to be a little too understated lacking in both pzazz and excitement. I found it to be watchable and moderately enjoyable, but nothing more than that.
Still to end on a positive note; I did enjoy seeing Alec Guinness in multiple roles and his multiple turns here were excellent (Kind Hearts and Coronets may well be the first film to showcase an actor playing multiple roles - although I could be wrong there). I did also like the way that the film pokes fun at the 'class system' highlighting some of the ridiculous and narrow-minded attitudes of the upper crust.
For me though to truly be able to enjoy a film of this nature it needs to be exciting, funny, dramatic and/or have at the very least 1 or 2 decent characters. Kind Hearts and Coronets is made up of bits and pieces of all of these things, but not enough of any one element for me to see it as anything other than a fairly average offering.
- jimbo-53-186511
- Mar 13, 2021
- Permalink