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Rating:  -
The script, plot, performances and direction of this play would be impossible to improve on. Although Alec Guinness is constantly cited for his multiple roles, the star of the piece is undoubtedly Dennis Price, who is incomparable and impeccable in this Wildean incarnation. Few, if any, reviews seem to credit Robert Hamer and John Dighton for their utterly brilliant script and dialogue, said to be based on a novel by Roy Horniman. Perhaps I should have heard of him. There is a deep, dark and acid undercurrent of vitriolic censure of the hypocrisies of the English class system. The setting is Edwardian -- not Victorian -- England, ie some time between 1902 and 1910: the manners and mores, dress and conventions of the age will shortly be swept away by World War I. The references to women's suffrage are entirely to the point. Mr Mazzini elicits sympathy for his evil career because he, or rather his mother, has been treated so callously by the prevailing social code. Price's most passionate moments are when he remembers his mother. In fact, these are the only moments he shows any feeling at all. There is a fleeting comment on the furnishings of the castle: the D'Ascoyne family rose to power by methods little different from those employed by the successful 10th Duke. Hence the collection of murderous weaponry, stretching back over centuries. Violence begets violence, and blood runs thicker than water. Who can tell whether the reprieved killer did not manage to retrieve his memoirs before any damage was done, and go on to eliminate the wicked little Sibella? Marriage to Edith might prove punishment enough. A consummate salad, cold but delectable.
Rating: -
This is the best of the Ealing Studio comedies. Dennis Price plays Louis Mazzini, ninth in line to d'Ascoyne dukedom. His mother was cut out of the family fortune due to her marriage. Louis wants to seek revenge by inheriting the family fortune.
He one by one eliminates those in front of him. But not only must he kill each, he must do it in a way that makes mocks their life. What makes this film delicious are the heirs from General d'Ascoyne to Lady Agatha d'Ascoyne. They are all played by the wonderful Alec Guinness. This was an early sign of his abilities.
This film proves that murder can be deliciously funny. You will drop dead from laughter.
DVD EXTRAS: Alec Guinness Bio - In depth biography of the actor and filmography.
Rating:  -
Dennis Price portrays a young man who is thirteenth in line for a English Dukedom, but his mother's marriage to an Italian singer resulted in the wealthy and titled family disinheriting them. Raised in poverty and fed by his mother's dreams of regaining standing within the family, Price grows up with the goal of being recognized as a rightful heir. That dream gradually morphs into a desire for revenge, and Price, who has become the epitome of a bight, cultured, English gentleman, begins doing away with everyone between him and the title. There are drownings, explosions, poisonings, and deceit aplenty.
Oh, by the way, all of the heirs ahead of him, who are seen in the movie, are portrayed by a young Alec Guiness. This includes young men, old men, and one woman.
This movie has trouble deciding whether it's a drama about a scheming killer, or a spoof on dramas about scheming killers. I am a big fan of Alec Guiness, but the gimmick of him portraying eight different people, adds to the film's confused identity.
However, the plot is complex enough that the movie survives its own confusion. I think the last third, covering the final muurders, the trial, and the question of whether Price will get away with the perfect crime(s), really saves the film, especially since the outcome is in doubt right to the last scene.
Very enjoyable, despite its multiple personality issue.
Rating: -
Another brilliant comedy out of the Ealing studios in England. Oscar Wilde would be proud of the terrific dialogue in this one.
A young man (played by Dennis Price), 10th in line to inherit a dukedom, decides to take matters in his own hands and speed up the inheritance process by bumping off the other nine. Alec Guinness plays all 9 of the victims, and he's a marvel to watch. The comedy is black and droll. The wrongful arrest of Price at the end is a gem. The movie lacks the spriteliness of some of the other Ealing comedies, but it's so well done, so sophisticated, it's a pure treat. Definitely worth a watch.
Rating:  -
Robert Hamer's "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is a delightful black comedy full of chuckles and pointed commentary on the British class structure. Never has the demise of a family been so elegantly amusing.
Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price) starts to write his memoirs on the night before his execution. He recounts his diabolical plan do away with various members of the D'Ascoyne family (all played by Alec Guinness) so that he may secure a noble title for himself. Mazzini's tale is one of ruthless - and hilarious - efficiency that ultimately ends badly due to the meddling of the vindictive Sibella Holland (Joan Greenwood).
Much of the attention that "Kind Hearts and Coronets" has attracted over the years has been due to Alec Guinness' multiple roles. While he is outstanding as the assorted victims, credit must also be given to the wonderful Price who shines as the charming serial-killer. Mazzini emerges as such a charismatic and witty character that you will find yourself cheering him on as he moves from one clueless target to the next. Greenwood is equally splendid as the woman who throws a wrench into the assassin's plans. While "Kind Hearts and Coronets" is filled with great moments, special mention must be made of the sequence where Mazzini targets Lady Agatha. It is a short sequence but it produces one heck of a laugh.
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