Kipps
1941 Comedy / Drama / Romance   
 
Credits
  • Director: Carol Reed
  • Script: Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder, H.G. Wells (novel)
  • Photo: Arthur Crabtree
  • Music: Charles Williams
  • Cast: Michael Redgrave (Kipps), Diana Wynyard (Helen Walshingham), Phyllis Calvert (Ann Pornick), Arthur Riscoe (Chillerlow), Max Adrian (Chester Coote), Helen Haye (Mrs. Walshingham), Betty Jardine (Doris), Michael Wilding (Ronnie Walshingham), Lloyd Pearson (Shalford), Edward Rigby (Buggins), Mackenzie Ward (Pearce), Hermione Baddeley (Miss Mergle), Betty Ann Davies (Flo Bates), Philip Frost (Kipps as boy), Frank Pettingell (Old Kipps), Beatrice Varley (Mrs. Kipps)
  • Country: UK
  • Language: English
  • Runtime: 111 min; B&W
  • Aka: The Remarkable Mr. Kipps
 
 
 
Summary
At the age of 14, orphan boy Kipps leaves his aunt and uncle to begin work as a draper’s assistant.   Eight years later, he inherits a fortune from his grandfather and he finds himself propelled into high society.   Kipp's newfound wealth wins him an admirer in the form of Helen Walshingham, a woman with great social ambitions...

Review
Acclaimed British director Carol Reed directed this genial adaptation of a popular novel by H.G. Wells, an engaging social satire that shows up the absurdity and ugliness of Britain's class system.  It is pretty slight compared with Reed’s better known films, such as The Fallen Idol (1948) and The Third Man (1949), lacking the stylistic flourishes, narrative focus and emotional depth that distinguishes his work.  However, Michael Redgrave and Diana Wynyard put in some pleasing performances and, whilst it lacks pep, the film does manage to convey at least some of the charm and social messages of Wells’s memorable novel.

© James Travers 2008





For World Cinema on DVD...
Write a review for this film...