Genevieve
Directed by Henry Cornelius
Written by William Rose
1953/UK
J. Arthur Rank Organization/La Societe de Film Sirius
First viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Hotel proprietress: Nobody’s ever complained before.
Guest: Are they Americans?[/box]
This is a pretty funny film. I imagine it would be hilarious if you happened to be a classic car owner or better yet the spouse of one.
Alan McKim (John Gregoson) inherited a 1904 Darracq from his father and with it the tradition of driving in the annual London-Brighton classic car rally. Alan spends virtually all of his free time tinkering with this car. His wife Wendy (Dinah Sheridan) is not too thrilled and this particular year she threatens not to accompany Alan to the event. She eventually relents however.
Ambrose Claverhouse (Kenneth Moore) is a friend of the family who introduced Wendy to Alan. He owns a 1905 Spyker and also participates in the yearly event. Ambrose is a bachelor and this year he has invited the unsuspecting Rosalind (a hilarious Kay Kendall) in hopes of a “really beautiful emotional experience” during the weekend at Brighton.
Alan and Ambrose have a not always friendly rivalry with respect to their cars. Alan’s car is constantly breaking down but he is certain of its superiority to Ambrose’s. The movie follows Alan’s mishap-filled journey to Brighton. After arrival, Alan becomes jealous of Ambrose’s attentions toward Wendy and makes a bet the couple can scarcely afford to lose. Against all the rally rules, he says Genevieve can beat the Spyker on the trip back to Westminster Bridge. One adventure after another confronts the ruthless drivers.
I thought this was amusing. My favorite part was when Kay Kendall played the trumpet. If you know someone obsessed with a hobby such as this you might find it even funnier.
Genevieve was nominated for Academy Awards in the categories of Best Writing, Story and Screenplay and Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmsPJ1RHfo4
Clip
