Goodbye, Mr. Chips
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Movie Reviews of Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Movie Review: Sentimental Musical Chips is Made Whole Again
Summary: 4 Stars
The DVD
Hooray! Warner has delivered the original widescreen restored road show version of the film. The extras, unfortunately, are just trailers and, sadly there is no commentary (especially as Petula Clark, Peter O'Toole and Leslie Bricusse are all still around and have a well-known fondness for this project). The visuals look a bit soft -but they were shot that way, mostly with long lenses on a fast film stock.
The Movie
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a lovely, sentimental story of a quiet, some might say even ordinary, man.
Producer Arthur P. Jacobs put the production in the hands of first time directory Herbert Ross (later to direct "The Goodbye Girl " and just about every Neil Simon movie in the 70's and 80's). Ross wanted to incorporate the way songs were used in films like "The Graduate" and" Easy Rider"; as counterpoint and commentary on the action, rather than being sung on screen. As with most first time directors the end results are mixed - but what's good is very good indeed.
The rock solid core of the movie is Peter O'Toole's portrayal of schoolmaster Arthur Chipping. Just watch his final speech as headmaster at the end of the movie: a man slowed by advanced age (in his 70's?) but mentally facile; characteristically stoic but capable of deep emotion. Then remind yourself: this part is being played by a 36-year-old Irishman, who a year earlier was the rowdy, forceful King Henry II in "Lion in Winter" . The proper, introverted Mr. Chipping is a world away from that lusty king - but always vividly real.
Petula Clark contributes an earthy emotional counterpoint to Chips stuffiness. She's in great voice and completely convincing as the stage star who's sampled the good life and found it wanting. The script doesn't do her any favors in slathering on the whole "a real woman gives up her career and finds fulfillment in the love of her man" theme . But Pet makes me believe that the choices are on her terms.
And what can you say about Sian Phillips scenery-chewing cameo as a 1920's stage vamp, Ursula Mossbank? At their last leave taking, she calls out over her shoulder as she heads out the door, "Well I'll see you tomorrow, or next week, or in heaven or somewhere...". Chips replies, "In heaven, certainly", smiling at Kathrine.
The music: I love "Walk Through the World", "Schooldays", "Fill the World With Love" and the moody "Where Did My Childhood Go". And I can't step off a plane at Heathrow without the catchy lyrics to "London is London" spinning in my head. On the other hand, I can definitely live without "The Sky Smiled". To make matters worse, Ross zooms in and out throughout this number like a first-time father with a new camcorder. Even so, John Williams orchestrates and scores the film with the dramatic style he would later bring to his own scores in the next decade.
Backstage note: Some have asked, "Why make a musical of Goodby, Mr. Chips?" Arthur P. Jacobs' answer in 1964 was this: Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews directed by Vincent Minnelli with a score by Andre Previn. But finding the right format and score was difficult, with Previn writing and discarding songs. Jacobs had to go forward with other projects ("Dr. Doolittle" and "Planet of the Apes") and as a result he lost both his stars. Richard Burton stepped in, then Leslie Bricusse replaced Previn as composer. Petula Clark signed on. Burton out; Peter O'Toole in. And I, for one, couldn't be happier that he took up the part.
Fan note: Did you know that there is a 3 CD set of the entire score (songs and background music) PLUS the contents of the original soundtrack LP PLUS outtakes, alternate versions, and interviews with Leslie Bricusse and the cast: Goodbye, Mr. Chips If Amazon doesn't have it then Google for it.
Movie Review: A movie masterpiece that could have been served better on DVD
Summary: 4 Stars
Anyone who has read my previous ravings on this genuinely under rated masterpiece will know I have enormous affection for this film. I think it is my favourite movie of all time, it has stood the test of 40 years and remains fresh, charming and full of wit and genuine humanity.
Terrence Rattigan script positively rattles with great one liners and unlike the good but very dated 1939 version, it is not overtly sentimental or overplays the tragedies of the story. A great CD was released of the movie a few years ago, in that much is illustrated as to missing material cut from the film, some superb interviews with the stars and great unseen stills. It is such a shame that now when the movie finally comes, long overdue to DVD, that it is so short on any extras (as someone pointed out O Toole and Clarke would have jumped at the chance to discuss the film). I do not agree with the writer who said that unless you had seen the reserved seat roadshow version of the movie you had not seen this complete version until now. !!! This is exactly the same version available on laser disc and Video, albeit on video it was pan and scan. All the cuts and edits made in the early stages of the film's release remain here, ie the edited version of "Schooldays" and Peter O Toole's heartbreaking "When I Was Younger' which was recorded for the Cd, shot for the film (there are stills in the CD) but was cut , early in the release process.
Please dont get me wrong, all the latter cuts of the movie have been restored, so this is as full a length version of the film as has been seen by most of the public and is not that abominable 130 minute version which used to be shown on Tv quite a lot, but its still not the entirely complete version, sure there are overtures and intermission medlies and exit music etc(all of which were on the video ) but a 2 disc version that would have included some of the deleted scenes and interviews past and present with the still living stars would have brought it in line with the remarkable CD version still available.
What remains is a fine if not brilliant print of the film, that is darker and less washed out than the earlier Video release, beautiful sound and of course the marvellous marvellous movie itself, but, oh, what could have been done with this still very popular movie. I wonder whether Warners will ever realise what they have a re do a special version, I doubt it, but we can live in hope. !!
Movie Review: Peter O''Toole Should Have Won the Oscar
Summary: 4 Stars
I was happy and surprised to see all the good reviews of this film here. I saw this movie in the theater when it was first released. I was very moved by Peter O'Toole's performance and was rooting for him to wind the Academy Award for his wonderful performance. Unfortunately he lost to John Wayne who's role in True Grit doesn't even come close to Mr. O'Toole's. I have always felt the Duke really won for his entire body of work up to that point instead of that particular performance.
I remember this version of Goodbye Mr. Chips got some really bad reviews when it came out. I do agree that making a musical out of it was not a good idea but it hardly makes this film terrible. I just finished watching it on TCM and enjoyed watching it again after so many years. No the songs aren't the greatest in the world, but everything else about this film is A+. I did not see the earlier version of Goodbye Mr. Chips until several years after this one. It is a great film, but so is this one. If nothing else, watch it for the excellent performance of Mr. O'Toole. He really should have got the oscar for this.
Movie Review: Nice Musical, But It Could Lose 20 Minutes
Summary: 4 Stars
This updated remake of GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS is an entertaining, if overlong (in its roadshow version), musical adaptation of the 1939 classic film, which starred Robert Donat and Greer Garson.
Peter O'Toole is excellent in the leading role. He's no singer, but his songs don't really require a Howard Keel to put them across. Most of the singing, rightly so, falls to Petula Clark, who is quite charming.
The songs are pleasant, though not really that memorable.
Understandably, WHV has released the complete roadshow version of the film (rather than the shorter theatrical version) onto DVD. Frankly, I much prefer the theatrical version, because the roadshow version goes on about 20 minutes too long, making what could have been a very touching ending rather anti-climatic.
© Michael B. Druxman
Movie Review: Powerful Movie in there
Summary: 4 Stars
As a musical the movie is slightly odd but enjoyable. Whether or not this was a stage play before, it does seem now like a musical invented for the cinema. Petula Clark sings a great deal and is very good. As a musical of the period, late 60s, it has some typical qualities. Peter O'Toole won a Golden Globe for this movie and this should indicate to people how good this movie gets at times. I have never really connected with the original 1930s version and always preferred this one.