{"id":24966,"date":"2012-03-27T09:25:09","date_gmt":"2012-03-27T16:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=24966"},"modified":"2023-11-18T00:44:06","modified_gmt":"2023-11-18T07:44:06","slug":"kind-hearts-and-coronets-1949","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=24966","title":{"rendered":"Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;The D&#8217;Ascoynes had not only wronged my mother; they were the obstacle between me and everything I wanted.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Poster.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Poster-199x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"199\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-24967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Poster-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Poster-85x128.jpg 85w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Poster.jpg 425w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 199px) 100vw, 199px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nA man (Dennis Price) whose nobly-born British mother (Audrey Fildes) was denied her heritage after marrying an Italian singer decides to seek revenge on the eight heirs (all played by Alec Guinness) who stand in the way of his succession to dukedom.\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alec Guinness Films<\/li>\n<li>Black Comedy<\/li>\n<li>Class Relations<\/li>\n<li>Flashback Films<\/li>\n<li>Hugh Griffith Films<\/li>\n<li>Joan Greenwood Films<\/li>\n<li>Plot to Murder<\/li>\n<li>Revenge<\/li>\n<li>Serial Killers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Response to Peary\u2019s Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nPeary&#8217;s take on this classic Ealing Studios outing &#8212; perhaps the first black comedy ever produced in Britain &#8212; is one of decided discomfort; he notes that the film produces an &#8220;odd viewing experience in that we laugh as each person is killed, even though Price&#8217;s methods are cruel and only a couple of the victims seem like despicable characters&#8221;. He points out that &#8220;as Price gets closer to his title, he becomes increasingly like the arrogant aristocrats he despises&#8221;, and &#8220;regards himself as superior to all of humanity (which corresponds to the Nietzschean aspects of the book)&#8221; upon which the screenplay was based, Roy Horniman&#8217;s <em>Israel Rank<\/em> (1907). He correctly argues that &#8220;our &#8216;hero&#8217; is a cad, even [having] simultaneous affairs with a married woman (Joan Greenwood) and a widow (Valerie Hobson) of one of his victims&#8221;. Of course, as has been duly noted by many critics, &#8220;what makes [Price&#8217;s] murders tolerable (and funny) is that Alec Guinness conveniently plays all the victims&#8221;; to that end, &#8220;we are not shocked by each death because we correctly expect Guinness to turn up again quite soon&#8221;. <\/p>\n<p>Despite his discomfort, Peary ultimately lauds the film as &#8220;beautifully played&#8221;, calling out its &#8220;absolutely exquisite script&#8221; with &#8220;sophisticated dialogue [that] reminds [him] of Oscar Wilde&#8221;. [&#8220;While I never admired Edith as much as when I was with Sibella, I never longed for Sibella as much as when I was with Edith&#8221;, our protagonist drolly intones at one point.] Peary points out that part of what adds &#8220;to the amusement is that while the educated characters engage in smart conversation, or Price&#8217;s silver-tongued narration hints at his egocentricity, absolutely silly events occur&#8221; &#8212; such as a victim who&#8217;s &#8220;blown up in the background&#8221;, or &#8220;lovers [who] plunge over a waterfall&#8221;. He notes that his &#8220;only complaint&#8221; is what he considers to be &#8220;an overly convenient (for the writers) ending that saves Price from having to make a difficult decision&#8221;, but I disagree; I find it a suitably open-ended finale to a story with an undeniably challenging moral compass. <\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s been pointed out that Guinness&#8217;s <em>tour de force<\/em> work as no less than eight supporting characters (including, in a hilarious bit, one woman) often overshadows Price&#8217;s perfectly controlled performance in the lead role; each actor ultimately deserves a different type of kudos, one no less than the other. Joan Greenwood, meanwhile, is suitably sibilant and cat-like as Price&#8217;s kindred spirit &#8212; an ambitious young woman who takes the first opportunity she sees for social ascension, but immediately regrets her decision. The cinematography (by Douglas Slocombe), sets, and direction (by Robert Hamer) all contribute to the success of the movie &#8212; one which film fanatics (and their loved ones) can safely return to time and again when seeking a generous helping of deliciously dark humor. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> As far as I know, this was the first comedy to feature one actor playing so many different parts, thus paving the way for similar work by Peter Sellers, Jerry Lewis, and Eddie Murphy, among others. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Redeeming Qualities and Moments: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alec Guinness as &#8220;the D&#8217;Ascoynes&#8221;<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"320\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24970\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness1.png 432w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness1-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness1-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"320\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24971\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness2.png 432w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness2-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness2-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness3.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness3.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"320\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24972\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness3.png 432w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness3-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Guinness3-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Dennis Price as Louis Mazzini<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Price.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Price.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"320\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24973\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Price.png 432w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Price-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Price-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Joan Greenwood as Sibella<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Greenwood.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Greenwood.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"320\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24969\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Greenwood.png 432w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Greenwood-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Greenwood-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Douglas Slocombe&#8217;s cinematography<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Cinematography.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Cinematography.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"432\" height=\"320\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-24968\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Cinematography.png 432w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Cinematography-128x94.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/Kind-Hearts-Cinematography-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<li>A remarkably clever, droll, bitingly witty script<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nYes, as a justifiably classic British comedy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Categories<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Genuine Classic<\/li>\n<li>Noteworthy Performance(s)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> (<span style=\"color:red;font-weight:bold;\">Listed in <a href=\"http:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-static\/1001Movies.htm\"><em>1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die<\/em><\/a><\/span>) <\/p>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0041546\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/movies.nytimes.com\/movie\/review?res=9E00E6DD1138EF31A25756C1A9609C946192D6CF\">NY Times Original Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.dvdtalk.com\/dvdsavant\/s627alec.html\">DVD Savant Review (scroll down)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.combustiblecelluloid.com\/classic\/kindhearts.shtml\">Combustible Celluloid Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rogerebert.com\/reviews\/great-movie-kind-hearts-and-coronets-1949\">Roger Ebert&#8217;s Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcm.com\/tcmdb\/title\/80298\/kind-hearts-and-coronets#articles-reviews\">TCM Articles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/movies.tvguide.com\/kind-hearts-and-coronets\/review\/103208\">TV Guide Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.qnetwork.com\/index.php?page=review&#038;id=1613\">Q Network Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.timeout.com\/movies\/kind-hearts-and-coronets\">Time Out Capsule Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;The D&#8217;Ascoynes had not only wronged my mother; they were the obstacle between me and everything I wanted.&#8221; Synopsis: A man (Dennis Price) whose nobly-born British mother (Audrey Fildes) was denied her heritage after marrying an Italian singer decides to seek revenge on the eight heirs (all played by Alec Guinness) who stand in the way of his succession to dukedom. Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors: Alec Guinness Films Black Comedy Class Relations Flashback Films Hugh Griffith Films Joan Greenwood&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=24966\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24966","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-responses-to-peary"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24966"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24966\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":93373,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24966\/revisions\/93373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24966"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}