Genevieve

1953
Approved
1h 26m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

3.5K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 3 wins & 4 nominations total

Photos166

+ 160

Top cast32

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Dinah Sheridan

Wendy McKim

John Gregson

Alan McKim

Kay Kendall

Rosalind Peters

Kenneth More

Ambrose Claverhouse

Geoffrey Keen

Policeman

Reginald Beckwith

J.C. Callahan

Arthur Wontner

Old Gentleman

Joyce Grenfell

Hotel Proprietress

Leslie Mitchell

Self - Newsreel Commentator

Michael Balfour

Trumpeter
(uncredited)

Ernest Blyth

Nightclub Patron
(uncredited)

Daniel Brown

Onlooker
(uncredited)

Joey Carr

Mechanic Joey
(uncredited)

Julia Cornelius

Girl With Ice Cream
(uncredited)

Lesley Dudley

Little Girl
(uncredited)

Richard Duke

Nightclub Patron
(uncredited)

Stanley Escane

Film Cameraman
(uncredited)

Fred Griffiths

Ice Cream Seller
(uncredited)

Director
- Henry Cornelius
Writer
- William Rose
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Despite being one of Britain's most well-loved films, this was apparently hell to make. Director Henry Cornelius was vetoed on most of his first choices--Dirk Bogarde turned him down, as did Claire Bloom--and he was forced to make it at studios he didn't want to work at. Cornelius' displeasure was acutely felt by cast and crew, as he didn't hide how unhappy he was. He was also apparently quite lecherous--both Dinah Sheridan and Kay Kendall carried whistles on them at all times in case they ever found themselves alone with him. Olive Dodds, Rank's head of contract artists, later testified that every leading cast member came to her at one point and said they wanted off the film.

Goofs
As Kenneth More approaches the bridge his car wheels get stuck in tram lines forcing him to turn right instead of left but the next shot shows the car out of the tracks.

Quotes
Wendy McKim: This is the end! Making a public spectacle of yourselves. I couldn't have believed you could have behaved like this, either of you. Just hawling like brooligans.
Ambrose Claverhouse: Hawling like brooligans?

Crazy credits
At the end of the opening credits: For their patient co-operation the makers of this film express their thanks to The Officers and Members of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. Any resemblance between the deportment of our characters and any club members is emphatically denied - - - by the club.

Connections
Featured in Joyce Grenfell 1910-1979 (1980)

User reviews63

Review

Featured review

8/10

An inspiration to veteran toy vehicle collectors

I first saw the film 'Genevieve' around 1969 - 1970 at home in glorious Black and white on black and white TV. Since then it has always stood out in my mind as one of the more memorable and enjoyable films from the 50's and 60's so common on TV at that time.

It's gentle comedy and heartening scenes of the English countryside along with the outstanding and unforgettable harmonic tones of Larry Adler's uplifting score make for such a rich and pleasing cinematic experience.

I have probably now seen the film more than five times and more recently in full colour, which makes it even more pleasing to the eye and enables one to see not only the main star 'Genevieve' but all the other incidental passing vehicles of the late forties and early fifties in their full livery and colour. Many of these vehicles would today be collectors items in their own right.

It would not be putting it too strongly to say that the film 'Genenieve' is a toy vehicle appreciators and collectors delight, as well as an inspiration for restorers of full size veteran vehicles.

Alan Wainwright