Undoubtedly a classic of its era, "Kind Hearts and Coronets" may be unfortunately a difficult experience for modern viewers; though not a particularly long film, its relentlessly dry humour and wit acts as a double-edged sword, making it hard to sit through in one single viewing without growing a bit - dare I say it - bored. That is not to say that it's in any way a bad film, merely that it's a definite product of its time, with a slow pace and theatrical direction, dialogue and performances that may not be to everybody's tastes.
However, if you give "Kind Hearts" a fair chance you'll uncover an absolutely superb story that has its decent share of plot twists and ironies. The script, though wordy, is magnificent and delivered impeccably by the actors, particularly by star and narrator Dennis Price who one suspects was born to read such lines. Price gives the standout performance of his career and it's a shame in a way that it's so often overshadowed by Alec Guinness' turn as the entire D'Ascoyne family, though of course Guinness is note-perfect and his achievement is startling. Joan Greenwood is also particularly noteworthy, proving that strong female characters on film were not an invention of later decades, and Greenwood was one of the best actresses we ever had.
I must admit that "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is a film I admire more than I actively enjoy, though it has a great deal of merit and is well worth watching at least once. I fear, though, that it's a cinematic entry destined to always adorn "100 Best Movies" lists with fewer and fewer people having actually watched it. Perhaps it'd be worth updating for a modern audience - the only film that I think would benefit from a remake - so long as the essential charm and genteel elegance were retained.
However, if you give "Kind Hearts" a fair chance you'll uncover an absolutely superb story that has its decent share of plot twists and ironies. The script, though wordy, is magnificent and delivered impeccably by the actors, particularly by star and narrator Dennis Price who one suspects was born to read such lines. Price gives the standout performance of his career and it's a shame in a way that it's so often overshadowed by Alec Guinness' turn as the entire D'Ascoyne family, though of course Guinness is note-perfect and his achievement is startling. Joan Greenwood is also particularly noteworthy, proving that strong female characters on film were not an invention of later decades, and Greenwood was one of the best actresses we ever had.
I must admit that "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is a film I admire more than I actively enjoy, though it has a great deal of merit and is well worth watching at least once. I fear, though, that it's a cinematic entry destined to always adorn "100 Best Movies" lists with fewer and fewer people having actually watched it. Perhaps it'd be worth updating for a modern audience - the only film that I think would benefit from a remake - so long as the essential charm and genteel elegance were retained.