A-Z Movies Database

Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) DVD 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.

Copyright © MRIB 2005.



WIN CINEMA TICKETS!

Renault Preview Room Enter our competition to win cinema tickets to see the latest blockbusters for free at your local cinema with our Renault Preview Room.

Enter the competition now

BATMAN LEGENDS

Christian Bale Christian Bale reprises his role as Batman in new flick The Dark Knight this summer, but who is your all-time favourite Batman? Take a look at our gallery of top Batman characters.

Vote for your favourite Batman star

YAHOO! MOVIES NEWSLETTER

Make sure you don't miss out on any Movie goss - sign up for our weekly newsletter now! Get more info.

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS

Will Smith Find out which movies are worth seeing in July this year including, The Dark Knight, Hancock and WALL-E.

Vote for your top movie out in July

THIS WEEK'S POLL

The Dark Knight releases in cinemas this month, but who is your favourite Batman actor?

View results without voting
A-Z Movies Database