Genevieve (1953)

Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.

Director:

Henry Cornelius

Writer:

William Rose (story and screenplay)

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	...	Self - 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 racing | rally | car | brighton | road movie | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joyce Grenfell and Leslie Mitchell are both credited as "guest artistes".

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Goofs

While playing trumpet, Kay Kendall's fingers are pressing the wrong valves.

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Quotes

Wendy McKim: This is the end! Making a public spectacle of yourselves. I couldn't have believed you could have behaved like this, either of you. Just hawling like brooligans.
Ambrose Claverhouse: Hawling like brooligans?

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the opening credits: For their patient co-operation 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 The Golden Gong (1985)

User Reviews

Whimsical, classic British cinema at its best

I grew up with this enchanting film as it was one of my father's favourites - I can see why...

One of the enduring, and charming features of "Genevieve" is its love affair with the characters (the cars included). The relationships between all the principals are tested repeatedly throughout the film, but never in a threatening manner - typical of the British reserve.

Stand-out moments have to include Rosalind's trumpet solo in the club ("I'll show them how to tray the plumpet!"), the wonderful cameo by Joyce Grenfell as the hotel receptionist, Ambrose's raucous 'Woody Woodpecker'-style laugh and the heart-warming finale seeing Genevieve rolling off under her own magical steam towards the end.

The score by harmonica supremo Larry Adler does wonders to enhance the sentiment in the film, with the jostling waltz theme and the lyrical ballad interludes. The use of the countryside is great too, and here the colour film is saturated perfectly - although, I have seen it in black and white as well, so it is not essential colour-viewing.

The race back to London is memorable for the many pranks and down-right rude goings-on between the two men and their long-suffering partners. This is superb film comedy, and its gentle tone is suitable for all members of the family - the ridiculous size of Suzie the St. Bernard, the 'flask' incident (filmed by the BBC, of course) and the ringing of the clock tower bell are all wonderful highlights.

No wonder my Dad liked it so much... :o)

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 February 1954 (USA)

Also Known As:

Genevieve

Filming Locations:

D&P Studios, Denham Studios, Denham, Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

GBP135,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sirius Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color (Colour by) (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1