SpuffyWeb
Sadly Over-hyped
MamaGravity
good back-story, and good acting
Bergorks
If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.
moonspinner55
Musicalized version of James Hilton's popular novel concerns a stuffy schoolmaster at a British academy for boys in 1924 meeting a musical comedy actress while on holiday in Pompeii. With Hilton's story having been published in 1933--and the first film-version being released in 1939--one has to wonder why this remake need take place in the 1920s. Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark are both so obviously modern in their charms--and Clark's phrasing in her songs is so unmistakably of the '60s era--that the anachronisms are oddly dislocating. Director Herbert Ross (making his debut) doesn't spend a whole lot of time in the classroom, which is surprising and refreshing, yet the romance which blooms between the two principles fails to come off. O'Toole's Mr. Chips is seen at first to be strict, set in his ways, lonely perhaps yet unwilling to change; before the film is fifteen minutes old however, he's being taken to the theatre to see the latest "hit", and it doesn't ring true for the character. Ross relies on Leslie Bricusse's songs to fill us in on Mr. Chips' feelings, but what happened to his background? Where does he live, what does his flat look like? For Ross, it's all about a romantic travelogue, and a grand meeting of two different worlds (one side sacrificing itself to be adjoined with the other). Within this universe, it's nearly impossible for the actors to create real, breathing people--although the overblown running-time would certainly seem to give them that opportunity. O'Toole was Oscar-nominated and, though he cannot sing, he gives a controlled, purposefully mundane performance; Clark also has fine acting moments, and the supporting cast is capable if not memorable (much like the picture itself). ** from ****
jvp333
I saw this film when it first came out, and didn't know what to expect exactly. What followed the Overture was one of the most pleasurable filmgoing experiences I have ever had. A lush score of songs and music by Britisher Leslie Bricusse (of Doctor Doolittle & Wilie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fame as well as making his mark on the Broadway musical scene), and scored by the incomparable John Williams. There's not a bad song in the entire film. Plus some of the most exquisite cinematography, costume design and filming locations I have ever seen in one film. Not to mention the Academy Award nominated performance by Peter O'Toole, and the equally strong performance, in my opinion, by the wonderful Petula Clark. Now, given that Peter is not the same caliber a singer that Petula is, he still manages to sell his songs to the audience, and that, after all, is what it is all about. This is a faithful adaptation of the excellent book by James Hilton, and deserves to be treasured for generations to come. I recommend this film for family viewing, though most men will consider this a 'chick' flick. But if you like a truly great film musical, then this film is for you. But be warned that a standby box of Kleenex is just as important as popcorn for your viewing pleasure.
jonnyplex
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a superbly written and photographed musical version of the classic 1939 film. Aside from Peter O'Toole's wonderfully controlled, understated performance as the pedantic schoolmaster who finds love and is changed by it, the film contains hundreds of stunning visuals, from Grecian ruins to London side streets to an extended countryside montage. The music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse have been criticized as being dull or not-up-to par for film musicals, but they are used to enhance the story rather than tell it. Many songs are used to underscore montages or scenes; the few that don't are relegated to "show biz" numbers. In this manner, the songs do not intrude upon this delicate story but heighten what the characters are thinking or feeling. "Where Did My Childhood Go?", "Walk Through the World With Me", and "You and I" are especially effective. An absorbing, brilliantly acted, directed and written film.
tscahill
"Chips" is an excellent blend of music, light comedy and drama with a picture perfect performance by Peter O' Toole and and effortless romantic supporting performance by Petula Clark. O' Toole is able to show the shy, uncommunicative teacher that wishes so much to be loved by his students and is only able to express his love when he married Katherine (Clark). She brings him the world "What a lot of flowers" and he is forever changed. He becomes the beloved headmaster of Brookfield through tragedy but knows he could only have achieved his goal through Katherine's love. The songs (with the exception of the Music hall number) are all "thought-songs" coming from character's emotions and thoughts and, the more you listen to them, the more beautiful they become - "Walk through the World with Me" and "You and I". O'Toole's finest moment is the final speech he gives to the students (it was the reason for the Oscar nomination). As a teacher, we question what "book" learning ever gets through - but, as Chips says, we did teach them how to behave with each other and that is what really counts. Beautifully filmed, perfectly orchestrated by John Williams and one of the most moving films about love and how it can change you. "Did I Fill the World with Love?" the boys sing their school song. By the end, Chips realizes he was able to do it - but only cause Catherine was there.
