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.

---

Plot Keywords:

car racing | rally | car | brighton | road movie | 

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film takes place between Friday 18th and Sunday 20th September (as shown on Tania's party invitation), indicating a year of 1953.

---

Goofs

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

Connections

Referenced in Century of Cinema: A Personal History of British Cinema by Stephen Frears (1995)

User Reviews

An inspiration to veteran toy vehicle collectors

I first saw the film 'Genevieve' around 1969 - 1970 at home in glorious Black and white on black and white TV. Since then it has always stood out in my mind as one of the more memorable and enjoyable films from the 50's and 60's so common on TV at that time.

It's gentle comedy and heartening scenes of the English countryside along with the outstanding and unforgettable harmonic tones of Larry Adler's uplifting score make for such a rich and pleasing cinematic experience.

I have probably now seen the film more than five times and more recently in full colour, which makes it even more pleasing to the eye and enables one to see not only the main star 'Genevieve' but all the other incidental passing vehicles of the late forties and early fifties in their full livery and colour. Many of these vehicles would today be collectors items in their own right.

It would not be putting it too strongly to say that the film 'Genenieve' is a toy vehicle appreciators and collectors delight, as well as an inspiration for restorers of full size veteran vehicles.

Alan Wainwright

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