Kind Hearts & Coronets
Undoubtedly the finest comedy to come out of Ealing Studios. Louis Mazzini (Price) is the rightful heir to a dukedom but his aristocratic family, D’Ascoynes, have cut him out because his mother dared to elope with an Italian Opera singer.
Undoubtedly the finest comedy to come out of Ealing Studios
Louis Mazzini (Price) is the rightful heir to a dukedom but his aristocratic family, D’Ascoynes, have cut him out because his mother dared to elope with an Italian Opera singer. Not best pleased, he decides to obtain his birthright and do away with anyone who stands in his way of being Duke. And thus, in probably his most memorable role, Alec Guinness gets to eight times playing all of the characters who Louis bumps off in inventive dark ways becoming one of cinema’s first serial killers.
The 1949 British black comedy film, directed by Robert Hamer, having recently enjoyed a revival in cinemas, now makes it way to DVD and blu-ray. Price is supberb in his role as Louis, holding his own against the excellent Alec Guinness. Sharp one-liners with delicious black humour with a back drop sex and class, the film is as relevant now as it was in postwar Britain.
Rumour has it that there may be a remake of the film with Will Smith playing the Dennis Price role and Robin Williams in the Guinness roles. Maybe they should stop whilst they are behind. But it doesn’t matter how much money they throw at it, they will never be able to surpass the genius of this little British film.
