Kind Hearts and Coronets (Hamer, 1949): BFI Southbank, NFT1, 5.20pm
This 35mm screening is part of the Push Play (Skateboarding) season at BFI Southbank and will feature a Q&A with artist, skateboarder and model Blondey McCoy.Chicago Reader review:
Robert Hamer’s 1949 film is often cited as the definitive black,
eccentric British comedy, yet it’s several cuts better than practically
anything else in the genre. Dennis Price, as a poor, distant relative of
the rich D’Ascoynes, must murder eight members of the family (all
played by Alec Guinness) to obtain the title and fortune he believes are
his right. Hamer’s direction is bracingly cool and clipped, yet he’s
able to draw something from his performers (Price has never been deeper,
Guinness never more proficient, and Joan Greenwood never more softly,
purringly cruel) that transcends the facile comedy of murder; there’s
lyricism, passion, and protest in it too. With Valerie Hobson and Arthur
Lowe.
Dave Kehr
Here (and above) is the trailer.
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