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

Larry Adler's name was removed on prints released in the USA due to his blacklisting following the House Un-American Activities Committee's hearings into alleged Communist infiltration in Hollywood.

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Goofs

The amount of ice cream between shots during the scene when Alan and Ambrose almost pulled off their bet changes.

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Quotes

Ambrose Claverhouse: Combining the London-to-Brighton run with a really beautiful emotional experience.

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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

Featured in Joyce Grenfell 1910-1979 (1980)

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Soundtracks

Trumpet solo
Performed by Kenny Baker

User Reviews

a totally wonderful film

One of my favorites of all time. A fresh, whimsical, gentle and wonderful comedy. Every time I think of it I smile and long to be in a roadster in England of the early 50's. Contains one of the greatest - if not the greatest - transition scenes in all movies. Watch for it near the beginning, when suddenly you hear a voice over saying "not that long ago what you are about to see would be illegal." Absolutely brilliant.