I love this movie and as usual my enthusiasm seems to have dimmed its commercial prospects. Here it is mid-November 2013 and there's no sign or even hint of a DVD release for this brilliant screen version of the H.G. Wells novel, directed by Sir Carol Reed from a screenplay by Sidney Gilliat. The novel was later turned into a most enjoyable musical, "Half a Sixpence" (1967), which is available on an excellent Paramount DVD, Actually, there are in fact three or four musical numbers in the 1941 "Kipps" plus at least two very obvious openings for more. I'm also sure Chitterlow's scenes and lines would be much improved by making him a singing comedian. Nevertheless, the cast in this 1941 version is absolutely perfect, with marvelous performances by all involved, especially Redgrave, Max Adrian and Edward Rigby. Reed handles both cast and camera with seemingly effortless ease. His acute observation and skillful attention to detail make nearly every scene a memorable one. And we must also acclaim Sidney Gilliat for his fine screenplay which has translated the quintessence of the novel so ably. As usual, Arthur Crabtree's photography is superb, and the art direction by Alex Vetchinsky is nothing short of marvelous. The adept film editing by R.E. Dearing brings every scene across with maximum impact. So bring on that DVD!
Review of The Remarkable Mr. Kipps
