ALEC GUINNESS: CENTENNIAL FOR A COMIC GENIUS
One of the greatest performers of the 20th century, Alec Guinness (1914-2000) is probably best known today for his Oscar-winning turn in The Bridge on the River Kwai and for his appearances as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars trilogy. But Guinness was also one of the most gifted and deft of all comic actors, and, in honor of his centennial, the Cinematheque has arranged a September series of his funniest performances from the 1940s and 1950s. The lineup includes classics like The Lavender Hill Mob and The Ladykillers, plus some titles in need of re-discovery, like The Captain’s Paradise and Henry Cass’ Last Holiday.
- Sat., Sep. 6 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Timid bank employee Holland (Guinness), overseeing a shipment of bullion, conspires with three accomplices to steal the gold by turning it into miniature Eiffel Tower statues and sending them to France. This witty, low-key caper is another treat from Ealing Studios. An early appearance by Audrey Hepburn is the cherry on top. Print courtesy of Wisconsin Center for Film & Theater Research.
- Sat., Sep. 6 | 8:30 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Given a terminal diagnosis, the non-descript George Bird (a quintessential Guinness turn) decides to blow all of his savings for a vacation at a seaside resort. Once there, however, he finds himself caught up in a labor dispute! Sweet and unpredictable, this thoughtful comedy finds clever ways to ruminate on life, death, and class relations.
- Sat., Sep. 13 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Bigamy is played for laughs and there is in fact a girl in every port in this comedy starring Guinness as Henry St. James, Captain of a ferry ship travelling regularly from Gibraltar to Kalique. DeCarlo as Henry’s Moroccan sweetheart and Charles Goldner as Ricco, his faithful second in command, do yeoman’s work to keep this saltwater taffy confection afloat. (BR)
- Sat., Sep. 13 | 8:45 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Two Welsh coal miners from a hamlet with a seemingly unpronounceable name (Hafoduwchbenceubwllymarchogcoch) win a newspaper contest and head out on the town - London town that is - in this sly romp from Ealing Studios. Stars Houston and Edwards give irresistible performances with irresistible accents and Alec Guinness puts the character in character actor as Whimple, a gardening columnist assigned to cover the boys as they make their way to an important rugby match (part of their prize package). Difficulties involving an out of work harpist and a scheming confidence woman ensue, and true to it’s title this little charmer does indeed end with a run for the money. (BR)
- Sat., Sep. 20 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
Guinness plays amateur scientist Sidney Stratton in this Ealing Studios gem. Stratton thinks he’s invented an indestructible fabric immune to wear and dirt, but the elation felt by everyone in the textile mill based community where he lives soon turns to horror as they realize he might just put them out of business. Under Mackendrick’s expert direction the large ensemble casts sparkles and shines, but Guinness’ go for broke physicality is particularly astonishing to behold. A sharp satire of the business world and a textbook example of British Cinema firing on all cylinders, The Man in the White Suit is simply crackerjack. (BR)
- Sat., Sep. 27 | 7:00 PM4070 Vilas Hall
In this classic Ealing Studio caper comedy Guinness plays gangleader “Professor” Marcus, a criminal mastermind with a nasty little plot to hold up the King’s Cross tube station with a bunch of disreputable cronies (including a pre-Pink Panther Sellers and Lom). The only hurdle? Sweet, 80-year-old landlady Mrs. Wilberforce, who stumbles upon their secret plan!