Kind Hearts and Coronets (NR)

A comedic gem featuring the Sir Alec Guinness.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

Common Sense rates it
5
Seen the movie? Review it
4040_orig.jpg
Movie details
  • Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment
  • Directed By: Robert Hamer
  • Cast: Alec Guinness, Dennis Price
  • Running Time: 106 minutes
  • Release Date: 06/04/1950
  • Genre: Drama
  • MPAA Rating: NR

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this story revolves around murder and relies heavily on dialogue. Adultery is also a discreet, but obvious theme and a racially-insensitive version of a children's chant is recited. But what makes the movie particularly unsuited to younger kids is its verbosity. Even teens may find that all the talking taxes their patience, but those who can absorb all the dialogue (and understated, dry English wit) will be rewarded with a classic black comedy.

Families can talk about black comedy. What is black comedy? How can murder and mayhem be funny? How does having one actor play all eight of the murderer's victims contribute to the comedy?

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Although a half dozen people are killed, there is no on-screen mayhem.

Sex

Adultery is a discrete but obvious theme.

Language

The politically incorrect version of "Eeny Meeny Miney Moe" is recited.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by M. Faust

When she marries for love, a woman is disinherited by her titled family. After her husband's death, she struggles to raise her son Louis (Dennis Price), always reminding him that he has been cheated out of a dukedom. The death of Louis's mother, an insult from a cousin, and rejection by his sweetheart Sibella all lead Louis to plan to kill the rival heirs to the title (all played by Sir Alec Guinness. He sets about his mission carefully, getting to know each of his relatives (who don't know who he really is) before murdering them.

Is it any good?

5

A film like KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS could only come from England. Of course, this is partly because the plot depends on a peerage system that doesn't exist many other places. But more important, the stodgy system of ancient families provides a perfect backdrop for the ironic humor. The comedy is delightfully dry and understated, and the various murders are depicted with a touch of silliness. Each of the victims is played by the wonderful Sir Alec Guinness, who proves that he can convincing create characters wordlessly. He's especially funny as a doddering old parson and as Lady Agatha, the family's suffragette.

Of course, none of these qualities makes Kind Hearts and Coronets interesting or appropriate for children. Carried almost completely by dialogue, the black-and-white film is occasionally underlit, lacks music, and is paced slowly. Teen anglophiles may enjoy it; otherwise, this is a pleasure best left for adulthood.

Other choices

The Man in the White Suit
The Lavender Hill Mob

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/17/06 by CelticBoy Kid contributor, age 10

Nice Movie

This is a good movie. It's funny.

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 07/17/06 by CelticBoy Kid contributor, age 10

Nice Movie

This is a good movie. It's funny.
Review It

All Things Naked Brothers Band

All Things Naked Brothers Band
What do your kids do online?
Surf
37%
Homework and research
20%
Download music
5%
Chat with friends
38%
65 votes