Some movies are like good wine – as the years go by, they mature into a great vintage. Take the 1969 musical “Goodbye, Mr. Chips,” starring Peter O’Toole and Petula Clark. When it was first released, the world was in awe of Armstrong walking on the moon. The musical seemed quaint and old-fashioned, and was quietly acclaimed, but not much of a success.Forty years, however, have transformed this beautiful picture into a vintage movie-screen performance.
Most people think that O’Toole was magnificent in Lawrence of Arabia and that Petula Clark was an acclaimed sixties pop-singer with one hit “Down Town.” They have probably not seen this movie. Both these actors are truly wonderful together in this film production.
O’Toole plays a stoic and dull English Schoolmaster whose life is transformed and turned upside down by a talented and lively musical hall actress played by Clark. The chemistry between the two is evident on the screen, making the James Hilton’s classic story both charming and captivating. It is a wonderful tale of true love between opposites and a lifelong vocation.
The music is not exhilarating, but the songs touch the soul. Petula’s performances are a “hit,” and it is great to see and hear a classic actor like O’Toole croon the lyrics.
Although I still think that both Robert Donat and Greer Garson played their characters outstandingly in the original black and white movie, this musical and its two main performers tell the story in a wonderful way, too.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
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