Review of Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) by Jake R — 18 Aug 2008

Ealing went against their own popular output with this jet-black comedy, which choose such whimsical subjects as murder, deception and infidelity as its source of humour. But sarcasm, faux pas and snideness are the essence of this film, and very deftly are they woven together into a comic tableaux.

Everyone knows that this film is famous for putting Alec Guinness in 8 roles, though that doesn't automatically mean it's brilliant. The admiral, colonel and 'Suffragette' have barely 10 lines between them, and about as many minutes of screentime; that said, Guinness manages to individualise and personalise the rest of the D'Ascoyne's in a bravura display of characterisation. But the real plaudits must go to Dennis Price, the scheming duke-apparent who heartlessly murders 7 of his own family in a cruel opera of revenge against them for their impoverishment of his family for no reason except pride. It really does force you to consider who's worse in this scenario, but strings this thought up amidst the nigh-unbelievable goings on. Price gives a turn that outshines Guinness's, not only managing to be charismatic and almost deserving of our respect, if not our sympathy, he also convinces in several of his own disguises to off his fellow D'Ascoyne's. Credit is due to th two female leads: Hobson as the loyal, supportive Edith, and Greenwood as some sumptuously splendid crumpet.

It's a clever, outrageous and hilarious film, but too flippant and carefree. There's something uniquely post-war, uniquely British about its sober attitude that one must have an appreciation of context to fully enjoy the film. Most modern audiences would feel the motives over the top, or certainly too tame to warrant a massacre within one's own family. In any case, it may dilute but it doesn't silence the film's power and sly wit.