Expected more

Beautiful, moving film.

A Disappointing Continuation

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

As someone who loves the Robert Donat and Martin Clunes versions, and having heard a lot of negativity around this film there was some intrepidation but considering that Peter O' Toole was a great actor I really did feel it deserved a chance. This film does have a fair number of problems and is a very distant least favourite of the three Goodbye, Mr. Chips versions, but it was to me still a decent film and much better than its reputation. The weak link are the songs, You and I is lovely but most of them are forgettable with insipid lyrics and added little if anything to the story. It was interesting initially to have the songs as a kind of voiced thought process, but it was overused and slowed things down. A lot of the second half drags too, loved the final assembly scene but the dialogue came across at times as sketchy and contrived(with a feeling of Terrence Rattigan running out of ideas and not being interested anymore), making the film longer than it needed to be(and the length in personal opinion was overlong and overblown by the second half). Goodbye, Mr. Chips is a great film to look at, the colours are wonderfully rich, the scenery is eye-catching and there's always something interesting to see regarding the photography. The songs didn't work but John Williams' score did, the harmonies and orchestration just soar to thrilling effect and any theme of any song included is given much more richness, colour and nuance as orchestrated than when it's sung. While the second half lags the first half is good, there is some fun dialogue and there are amusing and thoughtful moments. The romance is affecting and very charming, I for one didn't think it was rushed, and throughout the film there is a great deal of emotion, the assembly scene near the end was genuinely touching. The direction from Herbert Ross is not so bad for a directorial debut, though he did go on to better things. The performances are good, the singing is not mind-blowing, neither is it terrible(unlike something like Man of La Mancha the performers don't try to sing out of their ranges). Petula Clark is radiant and excels brilliantly at being sympathetic, her character is not the best developed but still memorable. The main reason to see Goodbye, Mr. Chips is the performance of the late Peter O' Toole, which is dignified and very moving, also one of his most subtle performances. In conclusion, very flawed but is so much better than I expected it to be. 6/10 Bethany Cox

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.

I love this movie because every single element of it is nothing less than excellent. I will quickly praise a few of them. Peter O'Toole gives us one of his great performances as he becomes the definitive Mr. Chips. Petula Clark, has a beautiful voice and is perfect as Katharine. The director was able to bring the story to the screen in a fresh new way. Combine that with the fantastic and creative cinematography, editing, writing, etc., and you have a film that shows the fine quality of its production. I can't praise the well-planned camera work enough, it moves us up and around, zooming in and out, giving us the best views of, and letting the locations become part of the scene. Petula Clark's last song 'YOU AND I' is just 3 beautifully composed long takes, and in this era of 2 second takes, I can appreciate the extra care that everyone involved had to give to get those long scenes perfect. The music is great, and the songs move the story along just as they should. Leslie Bricusse is one of my favorite composers. Listen to these songs, how could anyone not like them? This is a very romantic story between two people nearing middle age that find each other, bring out the best in each other, and it lasts till the end of their lives. Excellent production values, acting, camera work, and music, make this movie well worth watching.

Great acting is best rewarded by pairing with a melodramatic script which truly elevates the human spirit. To all those minions who toil each and every day, take heart! your patience is virtuous. Your forbearance and decency will evidence, in ways you will never anticipate. This is your Great Story. I do not believe you can watch through to the end without a wisp of moisture in that hardened eye. Or, can you? For me, it would not be so... the story is relentless! The idealist, denied his due. Will anyone speak up? Ah! but you will need to see the show yourselves! observe the schoolmaster in his prime, without the notice and peerage the observer would certainly expect. And why does he continue so? Yes! you must watch O'Toole's performance for yourselves! I can only wish it were still 'in print' to purchase, then present to my friends as my evidence of respect for their faithful lives.