One of Michael Redgrave's earliest screen triumphs was in the title role in Kipps. The story is from an H.G. Wells novel and it's semi-autobiographical. Like our
protagonist Wells came from humble circumstances and was taken in and trained
as a draper's assistant. Wells hated every minute of it and took some literary revenge against his former employers in this novel. He became a convert to
socialism in those years.
Kipps is a man of humble origins who suddenly out of nowhere he inherits a modest fortune. Suddenly everything he's ever wanted in life seems attainable. Including upper class girl Diana Wynyard who steershim to her solicitor brother Michael Wilding who might est be described as a blue chip hack. Breeding, but no real brains, the polar opposite of Redgrave.
The polemics are kept to a minimum and this film's greatest asset is the direction of Carol Reed and the engaging characters he creates including most especially Redgrave. Another good character is Phyllis Calvert the childhood sweetheart of Redgrave who has common sense
The musical Half A Sixpence was created from this story and while the boisterous style of Tommy Steele is miles different from Redgrave, both tell the story well ad emphasize different aspects of the protagonist..
Kipps is a well crafted and entertaining film.
Kipps is a man of humble origins who suddenly out of nowhere he inherits a modest fortune. Suddenly everything he's ever wanted in life seems attainable. Including upper class girl Diana Wynyard who steershim to her solicitor brother Michael Wilding who might est be described as a blue chip hack. Breeding, but no real brains, the polar opposite of Redgrave.
The polemics are kept to a minimum and this film's greatest asset is the direction of Carol Reed and the engaging characters he creates including most especially Redgrave. Another good character is Phyllis Calvert the childhood sweetheart of Redgrave who has common sense
The musical Half A Sixpence was created from this story and while the boisterous style of Tommy Steele is miles different from Redgrave, both tell the story well ad emphasize different aspects of the protagonist..
Kipps is a well crafted and entertaining film.