8mm Forum: Genevieve

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Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 26, 2006, 07:03 PM:

Genevieve 1951
Color, 90 mins, 1800ft
Available from Derann

This classic British comedy centers around the famous London-to-Brighton vintage car race. Made in 1951 at Pinewood studios in the UK, most of the film is spent on the road showing the adventures and mis-adventures of a couple of vintage car enthusiasts John Gregson, and Kenneth Moore along with Gregson's wife Dinah Sheridan, and Moore's latest girl friend, the gorgeous Kay Kendall. Also, in a cameo apperance as himself, the master commentator of British Movietone News, Leslie Mitchell. And of course, no British film of this period would be complete without an appearance by the eccentric Joyce Grenfell.
Directed by Henry Cornelius, this is a comedy with a light touch, and that's what makes this film so charming. If you are looking for heavy slapstick comedy or adult humour, you will be disappointed- this is a typical British U certificate film from the 1950's. The roads look narrow and uncluttered with cars ( even in the central London sequences), making the viewer very nostalgic for that era. The countryside looks gorgeous, as you would expect, and what with sheep blocking traffic and other motoring hazards, the whole film gives you a warm, happy, feeling.
The print by Derann is very good, with well saturated colors and sharp focus for the most part, except for some occasionally muddy shots.
Recommended.

Print A
Sound A (MONO)

[ October 27, 2006, 09:57 AM: Message edited by: Paul Adsett ]

Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on October 26, 2006, 09:59 PM:

Paul
Thats an exellent picture and review, I watched Genevieve only a week ago sadly on DVD on the video projector, the disc picture quality was very poor, pleased to read that the Super8 is of better quality.

A most enjoyable film, one thing that will always be remembered is the harmonica score by Larry Adler, even though its been over 50yrs scince the film was made, it has lost none of its charm or appeal.

Graham [Smile]

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on October 31, 2006, 09:59 PM:

Thanks indeed for the review [Smile]

(yes I've come back to haunt the forums - on Halloween no less) [Eek!]

Anyway, have had an eye on this film for a good while now - I just wonder if I'll be happy with the 600ft digest or should I pick up the uncut feature? Any opinions?

Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 31, 2006, 10:06 PM:

Welcome back Jan, you really have been missed!
I have not seen the 600ft version, but bear in mind the full feature is only 1800ft, and the storyline is fairly simple. So I imagine the 600ft digest could be fairly satisfying.

Posted by Jan Bister (Member # 332) on October 31, 2006, 10:36 PM:

Aw, thanks Paul [Smile]

Will keep an eye out for the digest then [Smile]

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