Review of Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) by Blake P — 17 Aug 2011

Very good movie! Mr. Chipping (Donat) is an old-school teacher in his 80's, who one night falls asleep and recalls his past. He started teaching in 1870, at the age of 22, and was strict and not well liked by his students.

Then he met Katherine Ellis (Garson), who he then marries. She teaches him how to be warm, and in the long run helps his teaching, despite their ill-fated marriage. Over the course of this movie, Mr. Chips goes through more and more tragedies, but gets stronger each step of the way.

"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" has often been considered one of Britains best movies, so because of that, I had to see it. 1939 is also widely considered to be the best year in movies, and this is usually one that seems to go in that list that makes up the opinion.

This film is definitely the definition of a inspiring movie. Mr. Chipping proves to us that no matter what, its not impossible to stay strong, but that aspect would not have been so good without the excellent acting of Robert Donat.

This is post "The 39 Steps", and having seen him in that, I can really say it was quite a transformation. For much of the movie, he portrays an elderly man, and though sometimes it can be corny, once you see him in the role, you can't picture anyone else.

Mr. Chips is so great, and for once Hollywood did not make a character that was unrealistic. Greer Garson also does a great job in her fascinating, yet short lived role. This was actually her first movie, and was a huge success, and many other actresses had similar happenings, like Audrey Hepburn and Lauren Bacall, which happened to few actors at the time.

Garson does a fine job, and is simply wonderful in her soft hearted, sweet portrayal, and really makes Katherine Ellis seem like a perfect person. Her and Donat together are a very inspiring team, and together make this movie magical.

"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a very nice movie that is ageless.