An improvement upon the H.G. Wells book that is its source, Kipps is a delightful little film that doesn't attempt a great deal but succeeds admirably at what attempts it does make. Director Carol Reed and his screenwriters have judiciously cut some of the clunkier sections of the Wells novel, and while the screenplay is perhaps a bit too streamlined, it still works quite well. Reed is often at home when dealing with films that have some connection to social issues, and Kipps readily fits the bill, allowing the director to examine and slightly comment upon the class system in turn-of-the-century Britain, and he clearly enjoys the chance to do so. Reed also works his customary magic with the actors, drawing a pitch-perfect performance from Michael Redgrave that fully exploits the actor's personal charm while solidly anchoring the film. Similarly, Diana Wynward's Helen is surprisingly complex, even though she never strays too far from her basic snobbishness, and Phyllis Calvert is as delight as the unaffected and refreshing Ann. If Arthur Riscoe at times seems to be acting in a different film, it still works, as the character's "actorly" mannerisms are intended to set him apart. Kipps is ultimately too familiar to be a great film, but as "little" films go, it's remarkably satisfying.
by Craig Butler
review
