Genoveva

What a wonderful film this is, it takes you back to an England that is no more.The four leading stars compliment each other, with the beautiful Kay Kendall leading the way and Kenneth More having to put up with her dog as well. The great harmonica score enhances the film and sets the mood(reminds me of last of the summer wine music). I have lost count of the number of times i have seen this film but it is as enjoyable now as it was the first time i saw it. The plot is simple just two mates having a wager to see who will be the first to arrive in Brighton while taking part in the veteran car rally and their poor female partners having to suffer all the way. Pure enjoyment from start to finish. I know it is an old saying but it is true in this case....... they couldn't make them like this anymore.

I first saw the film 'Genevieve' around 1969 - 1970 at home in glorious Black and white on black and white TV. Since then it has always stood out in my mind as one of the more memorable and enjoyable films from the 50's and 60's so common on TV at that time.

It's gentle comedy and heartening scenes of the English countryside along with the outstanding and unforgettable harmonic tones of Larry Adler's uplifting score make for such a rich and pleasing cinematic experience.

I have probably now seen the film more than five times and more recently in full colour, which makes it even more pleasing to the eye and enables one to see not only the main star 'Genevieve' but all the other incidental passing vehicles of the late forties and early fifties in their full livery and colour. Many of these vehicles would today be collectors items in their own right.

It would not be putting it too strongly to say that the film 'Genenieve' is a toy vehicle appreciators and collectors delight, as well as an inspiration for restorers of full size veteran vehicles.

Alan Wainwright

Beyond the marvelous cars, the jokes and banter between the couples and the quirky soundtrack, it's the moment of genuine and somewhat surprising kindness of the lead actor in the story which really sets this gentle comedy apart. Without Allan's reaction to the old gentleman who admires his car, the movie would otherwise be a one note comedy with jokes and rather nice scenery. The poignancy of the gesture however, allows Allan to quietly and magnificently overcome his obsessiveness, which though amusing at times is also wearing. This, along with the beauty of the English countryside, a component as important as the characters themselves, makes this movie an absolute charmer. The final shot replete with damp mist and fog added the ultimate British ambiance to its delightful conclusion.

"Genevieve" is a very unique film, with a rare quality that I have found in only a few films and books - there's something about it that is very appealing, and yet impossible to define. It is similar to the Ealing comedies, which isn't surprising, as Henry Cornelius directed "Passport to Pimlico" at the Ealing studios before leaving to become an independent filmmaker. I like it better than the Ealing films, though. It's so gentle and enjoyable - the ideal film to watch when home in bed with a cold!

I can't imagine anyone not liking this one. I smile whenever I think of it. It's a gem.

Enjoy!

A chirpy British comedy following the fortunes of two overly-competitive friends who enter vintage cars in the famous London to Brighton rally. John Gregson stars as the dour lawyer Alan who, baited by his larger than life friend (Kenneth More), accepts a bet on who will return to London first.

Dinah Sheridan and Fay Kendal provide glamorous and dependable support, with Kendal sparkling as an upper class fashion model with an unexpected capacity for trumpet playing and heavy drinking. Much of the film is typical race and chase stuff, but avoids the usual potholes of over-engineered stunts and tricks. The characters are far more interesting than that!

A brilliant harmonica soundtrack by Larry Adler keeps the tempo and spirits high and the full colour production provides a ready backdrop of 1950's town and country scenes. Escapist entertainment from a period when British cinema boomed.