British film, featuring wicked humor stemming from a very clever script with dialogue which many current script writers would do well to study.
A young lady from a distinguished family marries a commoner and finds herself dispossessed of all privilege and money. Her son, growing up in a household where his mother unceasingly has had to work very hard at menial jobs, nurtures a deep hatred at her family. He begins, methodically, to murder them one by one until he is the only surviving heir.
All of the unfortunate heirs are played by Sir Alec Guinness, and the film remains primarily known for his chameleon-like performance. But it is Dennis Price as the slighted heir that truly gives the amazing performance, at least equaling that of Guinness.
Mr. Mazzini is as horrific a murderer as ever appeared on film. His creation is a marvel, a masterpiece of malevolence.
Price's career was never what his prodigious skill promised because, it is said, of his known homosexuality: England, at the time, considered it a crime. He also was a notorious alcoholic.
His life was a downward spiral, beginning sometime after this brilliant turn.
He died, penniless, of cirrhosis and of complications following a broken hip.
How much more romantic to think of him dangling from a rope...
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Topic - "Kind Hearts and Coronets:" rightfully considered a classic of - tinear 05:53:30 02/22/08 (12)
- 'Our Man in Havana' is interesting - Jay Buridan 11:15:34 09/01/12 (0)
- Thanks.... - HOK 21:38:08 03/02/08 (0)
- More wonderful Ealing comedies: "The Man in the white Suit", "The Ladykillers", "The Lavender Hill Mob" - Bambi B 07:08:37 02/22/08 (9)
- RE: More wonderful Ealing comedies: "The Man in the white Suit", "The Ladykillers", "The Lavender Hill Mob" - jimdgoulding@yahoo.com 19:39:04 09/03/12 (0)
- Yes, all great films. - Larry I 12:35:20 02/26/08 (0)
- RE: Yes, yes and yes! and more Ealing Films... - patrickU 13:30:57 02/22/08 (0)
- No, no, - tinear 08:04:13 02/22/08 (5)
- RE: Withnail: agreed, it's a very funny film - grinagog 19:34:43 02/22/08 (0)
- RE: No, no, - The Duke 09:47:52 02/22/08 (3)
- Rank seems to somehow be involved with Ealing: I saw the sweaty - tinear 10:52:44 02/22/08 (1)
- RE: Rank seems to somehow be involved with Ealing: I saw the sweaty - patrickU 03:32:45 02/23/08 (0)
- Good catch! nt - clarkjohnsen 10:45:40 02/22/08 (0)