Genevieve (1953)

It's time for the annual London to Brighton antique car rally, and Alan McKim and Ambrose Claverhouse are not going to let their friendship stop them from trying to humiliate each other. ... See full summary »

Director:

Henry Cornelius

Writer:

William Rose (story)

Stars:

Dinah Sheridan, John Gregson, Kay Kendall

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dinah Sheridan	...	Wendy McKim
John Gregson	...	Alan McKim
Kay Kendall	...	Rosalind Peters
Kenneth More	...	Ambrose Claverhouse
Geoffrey Keen	...	Policeman
Reginald Beckwith	...	J. C. Callahan
Arthur Wontner	...	Old Gentleman
Joyce Grenfell	...	Hotel proprietress
Leslie Mitchell	...	Himself - Newsreel Commentator

Storyline

It's time for the annual London to Brighton antique car rally, and Alan McKim and Ambrose Claverhouse are not going to let their friendship stop them from trying to humiliate each other. Along the way, some old jealousies are kindled to the point where the two men decide to have a "friendly" wager on who will be the first back to London. Once the competitive juices get all fired up, however, it quickly becomes a nasty, hotly-contested affair. Ambrose's companion must suffer through her "maiden voyage" on the rally, while Mrs. McKim, on the other hand, is a long-time sufferer of her husband's obsession.

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Plot Keywords:

car | automobile racing | character name in title

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Taglines:

It ought to be illegal to let "Genevieve" on the streets!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 February 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Die feurige Isabella

Filming Locations:

Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

J. Arthur Rank Organisation, La Société des Films Sirius

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ambrose's quotation "From the East to western Ind / No jewel is like Rosalind" is taken from Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'.

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Goofs

En route to Westminster Bridge, the McKims pass the same blue police box and red telephone box at different points in the race.

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Quotes

Rosalind Peters: Ambrose only seems to think about two things. That silly old car - and the other thing.
Wendy McKim: What other thing? Oh. My husband only thinks about the car.

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the opening credits: For their patient cooperation the makers of this film express their thanks to the officers and members of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. Any resemblance between the deportment of our characters and any club members is emphatically denied - - - by the club.

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Connections

Referenced in A Personal History of British Cinema by Stephen Frears (1997)

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Soundtracks

Trumpet solo
Performed by Kenny Baker

User Reviews

The England that is no more

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.