Kind Hearts and Coronets
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Movie Reviews of Kind Hearts and Coronets
Movie Review: Good transfer of an excellent British comedy
Summary: 4 Stars
No need to add much to the comments above and below about this excellent post-war (1949) British black comedy, so I'll restrict myself to the DVD.This is a good transfer of a film which is now well over 50 years old. Criterion might have got more out of it, but this release wouldn't do that company any shame.
Damage is virtually non-existent, contrast is excellent and the image very sharp. There is an occasional hint of grain, but this is a much better DVD transfer than I was expecting on such an inexpensive disc. Just check out the trailer which is almost indiscernible image-wise to show what a good job they have done.
The sound is mono and sounds a little thin at first but Dennis Price's beautiful narration is clear and the ear soon adjusts.
All in all, a very good DVD release.
Movie Review: Dry, Witty, and Dark
Summary: 4 Stars
Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price) is sitting on death row in 19th century England waiting on his execution the following morning. The prison ward is astounded over Mazzini's calm behavior before the execution as Mazzini begins to tell his life's account. He was born a son of a father who died at the first sight of him and a mother who married his father who was below her social rank and was disowned by the D'Ascoyne family as a result. Kind Hearts and Coronets is a extremely witty story with very dry dark humor combined with the mind of a serial killer that pulls at the facial muscles of the audience numerous times.Movie Review: Witty Serial Killers Autobiography!
Summary: 4 Stars
Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price) is sitting on death row in 19th century England waiting on his execution the following morning. The prison ward is astounded over Mazzini's calm behavior before the execution as Mazzini begins to tell his life's account. He was born a son of a father who died at the first sight of him and a mother who married his father who was below her social rank and was disowned by the D'Ascoyne family as a result. Kind Hearts and Coronets is a extremely witty story with very dry dark humor combined with the mind of a serial killer that pulls at the facial muscles of the audience numerous times.Movie Review: "From here, I think, the wound will be consistent with the story I shall tell."
Summary: 3 Stars
Robert Hamer's "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is a delightful black comedy full of chuckles and pointed commentary on the British class structure. Never has the demise of a family been so elegantly amusing.
Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price) starts to write his memoirs on the night before his execution. He recounts his diabolical plan do away with various members of the D'Ascoyne family (all played by Alec Guinness) so that he may secure a noble title for himself. Mazzini's tale is one of ruthless - and hilarious - efficiency that ultimately ends badly due to the meddling of the vindictive Sibella Holland (Joan Greenwood).
Much of the attention that "Kind Hearts and Coronets" has attracted over the years has been due to Alec Guinness' multiple roles. While he is outstanding as the assorted victims, credit must also be given to the wonderful Price who shines as the charming serial-killer. Mazzini emerges as such a charismatic and witty character that you will find yourself cheering him on as he moves from one clueless target to the next. Greenwood is equally splendid as the woman who throws a wrench into the assassin's plans. While "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is filled with great moments, special mention must be made of the sequence where Mazzini targets Lady Agatha. It is a short sequence but it produces one heck of a laugh.
Movie Review: Oldy and some times moldy
Summary: 3 Stars
The acting is brillant but the film moves slow. Some of the language was ok in its day but not acceptable today--and I don't mean swear words. Its worth seeing to see Alex Guiness play 8 different parts.