Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) Review

"KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS" reviews

DVD

KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2005-10-26 11:16:32

Provider

MRIB

DVD Review

Director Robert Hamer's 1949 masterpiece stars Alec Guinness as the eight surviving members of the D'Ascoyne family, who are mortally threatened by a would-be Duke.

Louis D'Ascoyne (Dennis Price) wants to be the Duke of Chalfont but, unfortunately, his late mother was spurned by her noble family - after marrying an Italian singer for love - and thus lost what would have been her kingdom. To revenge his mother (or to satisfy his own greed?), Louis subsequently plans to poetically dispatch the eight D'Ascoyne's who now stand between him and his dukedom, utilising a variety of manners which reflect their individual character faults.

Guinness' performance as the D'Ascoyne family - who range from a youthful rake to a doddery aunt - have been justly celebrated but the supporting cast are equally excellent. Miles Malleson makes the most of a fine script as a verbose hangman, while Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood relish their surprisingly meaty female roles.

This was a surprisingly dark comedy for its time but it still widely regarded as a peerless Ealing comedy is guaranteed to keep you hooked right up to the final, exquisite twist.

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