Genevieve

source: Genevieve

I first saw the film 'Genevieve' around 1969 - 1970 at home in glorious Black and white on black and white TV. Since then it has always stood out in my mind as one of the more memorable and enjoyable films from the 50's and 60's so common on TV at that time. It's gentle comedy and heartening scenes of the English countryside along with the outstanding and unforgettable harmonic tones of Larry Adler's uplifting score make for such a rich and pleasing cinematic experience. I have probably now seen the film more than five times and more recently in full colour, which makes it even more pleasing to the eye and enables one to see not only the main star 'Genevieve' but all the other incidental passing vehicles of the late forties and early fifties in their full livery and colour. Many of these vehicles would today be collectors items in their own right. It would not be putting it too strongly to say that the film 'Genenieve' is a toy vehicle appreciators and collectors delight, as well as an inspiration for restorers of full size veteran vehicles. Alan Wainwright

Genevieve may be a little too short, but for me it is one of the best British films of the 50s. It is just a charming, delightful and re-watchable little film. The film looks beautiful, the photography is lovely and the scenery and colours are just as pleasing to the eye. The script has its fair share of funny, poignant and charming spots, the direction is spot on and the story is always engaging with the misfortunes and calamities never less than entertaining. The soundtrack by the harmonica maestro Larry Sadler is unforgettable, and the film is blessed with wonderful performances. I loved John Gregson, Kenneth More and Dinah Sheridan, but it was Kay Kendall who was the real joy. All in all, just a delight from start to finish. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I was a bit surprised that such a high percentage of ratings were 10 for this movie. While it's pretty good, there are so many other British films of the era that are simply better--and a lot more entertaining. Now this isn't to say I didn't like the film. On the contrary, I thought it was very good,...but certainly not great and a pretty skipable film when you think of all the better films from Ealing Studios (such as PASSPORT TO PIMLICO or the films of Alec Guinness). The story is a very slight film about two slightly nutty old car enthusiasts and the women that reluctantly love them. Both guys LOVE their antique cars (circa 1904 and 1906) but the antiques are a pain in the neck, as they seem to break down all the time and are very slow. Despite this, the two guys decide to race from Brighton to London and a lot of problems naturally develop. Some of these problems are pretty cute, but the best aspect of this film were the interactions between the characters and the excellent dialog. Also, and I know this may seem odd, but I really loved the color film used to make this movie. It is not exactly realistic but is so rich and pretty to look at that I found myself remarking repeatedly ho much I liked the color.

I wish they made more movies like this one! A light hearted comedy about an antique car rally and the competitive relationship between two friends. A recipe for a wonderful film that I could not recommend enough. The previous comments say it all! I only wish one of our vintage film channels would show it.

This is one of those films I can just watch time and time again, as indeed we did this evening. It must be 25 years since I first saw Genevieve as an kid; I daren't guess how many times I've seen it since. But every time it still works its magic. It's a comedy, but a gentle one - there's a few real belly laughs to be had, but mostly I'm left with a beatific smile of pure pleasure throughout. The one exception is the scene where dear old Arthur Wontner stops the McKims to admire Genevieve at a crucial point in proceedings; that scene has me welling up with tears every time. The script from William Rose is perfectly judged and paced, and there's enough detail in there to reward multiple viewings. It's quite risqué for 1953, but done in a splendidly subtle way that can only be described as a forgotten art. And as usual, I shall be whistling Larry Adler's magnificent score for days after viewing. I laughed, I cried, I loved the old cars. What more could you ask from a movie? Quite possibly the closest thing to perfection you're likely to see in a movie - and it didn't need special CGI effects and a cast of thousands, just four extremely talented actors, a few old cars and the glorious post-war English countryside. 11 out of 10. No, 12! 13!

One of my favorites of all time. A fresh, whimsical, gentle and wonderful comedy. Every time I think of it I smile and long to be in a roadster in England of the early 50's. Contains one of the greatest - if not the greatest - transition scenes in all movies. Watch for it near the beginning, when suddenly you hear a voice over saying "not that long ago what you are about to see would be illegal." Absolutely brilliant.

Everytime I see this film, (I'm 57 now), I smile at the scene where one of the old crocks breaks down in the country on its way to Brighton.I cannot remember whether it was Ambrose' or Alan's vintage car, the point is the location, (in 1953), is near where I used to live, to be precise Batchworth Heath, Northwood , Middlesex on the Rickmansworth Road, opposite the Greene Man pub, White Hill and near Mount Vernon Hospital (where I have had two ops over the years).In the background you can see the arch leading to Moor Park golf club.This gentle English comedy has become a classic since that day and Kay Kendall, (who died of leukemia), is vivid and memorable not to say surprising especially when she lets loose on the trumpet!

A chirpy British comedy following the fortunes of two overly-competitive friends who enter vintage cars in the famous London to Brighton rally. John Gregson stars as the dour lawyer Alan who, baited by his larger than life friend (Kenneth More), accepts a bet on who will return to London first. Dinah Sheridan and Fay Kendal provide glamorous and dependable support, with Kendal sparkling as an upper class fashion model with an unexpected capacity for trumpet playing and heavy drinking. Much of the film is typical race and chase stuff, but avoids the usual potholes of over-engineered stunts and tricks. The characters are far more interesting than that! A brilliant harmonica soundtrack by Larry Adler keeps the tempo and spirits high and the full colour production provides a ready backdrop of 1950's town and country scenes. Escapist entertainment from a period when British cinema boomed.

This is a most wonderful film. I admit to having a bias towards this film because my mother played the shepherd girl. The four main characters play wonderfully against each-other with a brother-like rivalry between John Gregson and Kenneth More. It really is great fun to see the cars race - we're not talking great speed here - these are vintage cars, you know! They don't make them like this any more.