Die feurige Isabella

Everytime I see this film, (I'm 57 now), I smile at the scene where one of the old crocks breaks down in the country on its way to Brighton.I cannot remember whether it was Ambrose' or Alan's vintage car, the point is the location, (in 1953), is near where I used to live, to be precise Batchworth Heath, Northwood , Middlesex on the Rickmansworth Road, opposite the Greene Man pub, White Hill and near Mount Vernon Hospital (where I have had two ops over the years).In the background you can see the arch leading to Moor Park golf club.This gentle English comedy has become a classic since that day and Kay Kendall, (who died of leukemia), is vivid and memorable not to say surprising especially when she lets loose on the trumpet!

What a wonderful film this is, it takes you back to an England that is no more.The four leading stars compliment each other, with the beautiful Kay Kendall leading the way and Kenneth More having to put up with her dog as well. The great harmonica score enhances the film and sets the mood(reminds me of last of the summer wine music). I have lost count of the number of times i have seen this film but it is as enjoyable now as it was the first time i saw it. The plot is simple just two mates having a wager to see who will be the first to arrive in Brighton while taking part in the veteran car rally and their poor female partners having to suffer all the way. Pure enjoyment from start to finish. I know it is an old saying but it is true in this case....... they couldn't make them like this anymore.

Beyond the marvelous cars, the jokes and banter between the couples and the quirky soundtrack, it's the moment of genuine and somewhat surprising kindness of the lead actor in the story which really sets this gentle comedy apart. Without Allan's reaction to the old gentleman who admires his car, the movie would otherwise be a one note comedy with jokes and rather nice scenery. The poignancy of the gesture however, allows Allan to quietly and magnificently overcome his obsessiveness, which though amusing at times is also wearing. This, along with the beauty of the English countryside, a component as important as the characters themselves, makes this movie an absolute charmer. The final shot replete with damp mist and fog added the ultimate British ambiance to its delightful conclusion.

I saw Genevieve when it first came out, at a theatre at the US Army Language School in Monterey, California. It is a lovely, gentle story, with lots of beautiful scenery and lots of fun. I wish today I could drive my Mazda Miata over the same route. The film is one of my very favorites, right up there next to African Queen (my #1) and Bridge on the River Kwai (#2).

The folks in UK and Europe are lucky. You can buy a tape or even a DVD of Genevieve. Amazon.com, how about it? Get some DVDs made for us here in the States!

A chirpy British comedy following the fortunes of two overly-competitive friends who enter vintage cars in the famous London to Brighton rally. John Gregson stars as the dour lawyer Alan who, baited by his larger than life friend (Kenneth More), accepts a bet on who will return to London first.

Dinah Sheridan and Fay Kendal provide glamorous and dependable support, with Kendal sparkling as an upper class fashion model with an unexpected capacity for trumpet playing and heavy drinking. Much of the film is typical race and chase stuff, but avoids the usual potholes of over-engineered stunts and tricks. The characters are far more interesting than that!

A brilliant harmonica soundtrack by Larry Adler keeps the tempo and spirits high and the full colour production provides a ready backdrop of 1950's town and country scenes. Escapist entertainment from a period when British cinema boomed.