Review of Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) by Jack S — 12 Apr 2009

I rented this after reading that it was Steve Coogan's favorite comedy. You can absolutely see the appeal to Coogan, as Alec Guinness submerges himself in 8 different comic roles. (Eddie Murphy must have been taking notes too, though forgot to write down "be subtle.

") Was a little disappointed to learn that Guinness didn't play the lead role, but Dennis Price does fine work in this well-plotted comedy of manners, which skewers social castes, royalty, ambition, and revenge.

My only real gripe--and not to be sacrilegious--is that the 60-year-old movie isn't nearly as funny as I hoped. It evokes smiles and nods rather than many big laughs. Still, totally worth seeing if just for Guinness's supporting roles.

(And for Star Wars geeks, to hear him, as a drunken priest, say, "The port is with you.").