Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

[K1stpierre]

Discuss

[JohnnyGossamer]

Arguably the godfather of the pitch black comedy. Razor sharp, snide sense of wit, wickedly inventive, executed to max effect with Guinness and Price turning in unforgettable work. Just an outstanding, vicious comedy.

 

A+

 

One of the best comedies of all-time.

[Plain Old Tele]

Very funny and savage (in a very genteel way.) It's always fun to see Alec Guinness in his comedy mode -- most casual movie-fans are only familiar with his dramatic roles, but the guy could be really funny too. He plays eight roles here.

[JohnnyGossamer]

Couldn't agree more. I love him in The Man In The White Suit and, of course, The LadyKillers as well. Actually, Ealing Studios released a handful of brilliant comedies over a nice ten year stretch.

 

Genteel's a very fitting word. As much as I love Guinness' work in Coronets, for me, it's Dennis Price that carries the film on his back. His cunning, wit and sharpness of his character really make it easy, fun watch. To me, in many ways, he's Amazing Amy on his own crusade, albeit his is far more elaborate/creative. And, really, if not for the Hays Code prompting studio intervention, he'd have gotten away with it too.

Edited October 16, 2014 by JohnnyGossamer