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Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
14 June 1950 (USA)
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Tagline:
He chopped down the family tree... more
Plot:
A distant poor relative of the Duke of D'Ascoyne plots to inherit the title by murdering the eight other heirs who stand ahead of him in the line of succession. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.
Another 1 win
&
1 nomination
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NewsDesk:
(15 articles)
Payback is making a comeback
(From The Guardian - Film News. 20 November 2009, 4:15 PM, PST)
Kind Hearts and Coronets: from 'antisemitic' novel to classic film
(From The Guardian - Film News. 12 November 2009, 5:52 AM, PST)
(From The Guardian - Film News. 20 November 2009, 4:15 PM, PST)
Kind Hearts and Coronets: from 'antisemitic' novel to classic film
(From The Guardian - Film News. 12 November 2009, 5:52 AM, PST)
User Comments:
First class British film-making.
more (93 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Dennis Price | ... | Louis | |
| Valerie Hobson | ... | Edith | |
| Joan Greenwood | ... | Sibella | |
| Alec Guinness | ... | The Duke / The Banker / The Parson / The General / The Admiral / Young Ascoyne / Young Henry / Lady Agatha | |
| Audrey Fildes | ... | Mama | |
| Miles Malleson | ... | The Hangman | |
| Clive Morton | ... | The Prison Governor | |
| John Penrose | ... | Lionel | |
| Cecil Ramage | ... | Crown Counsel | |
| Hugh Griffith | ... | Lord High Steward | |
| John Salew | ... | Mr. Perkins | |
| Eric Messiter | ... | Burgoyne | |
| Lyn Evans | ... | The Farmer | |
| Barbara Leake | ... | The Schoolmistress | |
| Peggy Ann Clifford | ... | Maud |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
106 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Sound System)
Certification:
Iceland:L |
USA:Approved (PCA #13442) |
Finland:K-16 |
UK:U (video rating) |
UK:A (original rating) (cut)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Alec Guinness' first film for Ealing Studios.
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Goofs:
Continuity: When "The Hangman" (Miles Malleson) opens the peep-hole to the prisoner's cell, he moves the covering to the right, with a finger. After we are allowed to gaze at the back of the prisoner's neck for a few seconds, the shot reverts to the outside of the cell door; The Hangman releases the cover which closes from left to right, not right to left, as it should have done.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Creating 'The Upside of Anger' (2005) (V)
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Soundtrack:
Don Giovanni: Il mio tesoro intanto
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FAQ
How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?What is the title "Kind Hearts and Coronets" supposed to mean?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
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more (93 total)
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As is the case with most great things, the basic premise of this film is simple. There is, however, an essential darkness at the heart of the movie: the cold blooded and calculating murder of all those who stand between Dennis Price and his possible succession to a title. That this is treated in so light and civilised a way is the triumph of the film. The screenplay and performances complement each other perfectly and are a credit to all those involved. I cannot think of a weak link in the film. The casting was beautifully judged down to the most minor character. The leads are, though, just about perfect. For my money, it is the best of Dennis Price's film work (though his Jeeves on television in the 60's was good, too). Guinness was splendid and well supported by Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood. I have probably seen the film more than a dozen times in the past thirty years. Each time it offers something fresh and new. Quite simply one of the best.