I don't think that Mr Chips would survive today because schools have much higher expectations of teachers. Today people do not have the patience to "grow a teacher". Indeed a modern day Mr Chips may just decide that he had better things to do.
yer he always does a cracking job acting,, the magic box is also a class movie, and the 50s browning version, to sir with love is also a good movie sidney poiter was the best school teacher.
Most films of that age are dated,.Some can be like architecture or a painting and stand the test of time. But sadly I have to agree with Ruben that this film did not.. Nice job gentlemen.
You’re mispronouncing his name. Donat was not French. You pronounce the t. The dude on the left completely missed the point of the film. First of all, he’s looking at the film through a 21st century lens. He keeps going on and on about Laurel And Hardy, failing to take into account the fact that the film takes place in a much earlier time period. It begins in the late 1800’s. Plus, it takes place in a different country with it’s own customs and rules which, obviously, do not apply here today. I don’t even know how you can fail to notice that (unless you really were not paying attention. Chips even mentions being shocked by ladies riding around on bicycles. Who would find that shocking nowadays or even back in the 1930’s when this film was made?). Chips starts off as an idealistic teacher, only to be defeated because he can’t handle the kids. This causes him to lose hope and he becomes resigned to the fact that he’ll never be accepted, either by the children or the headmaster. He sinks into depression as a result. Then he is convinced to go on holiday by his friend and it changes his life. The woman he marries helps him to regain confidence in himself and he begins to get on a lot better with his students. I also happen to think that Donat gives one of the greatest acting performances of all time, and not just because he ages from a young man to an old one. Don’t believe me? Go back and watch the scene after his wife dies and he decides to teach class anyway, out of a sense of duty to the kids. He sits there looking sad, and then he starts to hear the waltz he heard the first time he danced with his then future wife. Look at his eyes. Watch how they, very gradually, go from a look of sadness to absolute shock as the fact that she has died begins to sink in. It’s a very subtle change, but masterful acting. In short, I believe you’re shortchanging this film because it represents a great character study of how love can change a person for the better.
I love that movie! And I love your movie review!
Aw, Reuben! You are entitled to your opinion though. You guys must be the new Siskel and Ebert, haha!
Thank you, Crystal. Maybe I was in a bad mood! Chips had some good qualities.
I don't think that Mr Chips would survive today because schools have much higher expectations of teachers. Today people do not have the patience to "grow a teacher". Indeed a modern day Mr Chips may just decide that he had better things to do.
lloyds of london is another great movie made around about 1939
yer he always does a cracking job acting,, the magic box is also a class movie, and the 50s browning version, to sir with love is also a good movie sidney poiter was the best school teacher.
a like debates, people rate the vikings but i prefer the long ships because i like the story the adventure
Most films of that age are dated,.Some can be like architecture or a painting and stand the test of time. But sadly I have to agree with Ruben that this film did not..
Nice job gentlemen.
I agree with you, Dennis, and that is an intelligent way to put it. I hope you are doing well. Thanks for watching!
You’re mispronouncing his name. Donat was not French. You pronounce the t.
The dude on the left completely missed the point of the film. First of all, he’s looking at the film through a 21st century lens. He keeps going on and on about Laurel And Hardy, failing to take into account the fact that the film takes place in a much earlier time period. It begins in the late 1800’s. Plus, it takes place in a different country with it’s own customs and rules which, obviously, do not apply here today. I don’t even know how you can fail to notice that (unless you really were not paying attention. Chips even mentions being shocked by ladies riding around on bicycles. Who would find that shocking nowadays or even back in the 1930’s when this film was made?).
Chips starts off as an idealistic teacher, only to be defeated because he can’t handle the kids. This causes him to lose hope and he becomes resigned to the fact that he’ll never be accepted, either by the children or the headmaster. He sinks into depression as a result. Then he is convinced to go on holiday by his friend and it changes his life. The woman he marries helps him to regain confidence in himself and he begins to get on a lot better with his students.
I also happen to think that Donat gives one of the greatest acting performances of all time, and not just because he ages from a young man to an old one. Don’t believe me? Go back and watch the scene after his wife dies and he decides to teach class anyway, out of a sense of duty to the kids. He sits there looking sad, and then he starts to hear the waltz he heard the first time he danced with his then future wife. Look at his eyes. Watch how they, very gradually, go from a look of sadness to absolute shock as the fact that she has died begins to sink in. It’s a very subtle change, but masterful acting.
In short, I believe you’re shortchanging this film because it represents a great character study of how love can change a person for the better.
Excellent points. Thank you for your well thought out response.