Kipps (1941) - film review

At the age of 14, orphan boy Kipps leaves his aunt and uncle to begin work as a draper’s assistant.   Eight years later, he inherits a fortune from his grandfather and he finds himself propelled into high society.   Kipp’s newfound wealth wins him an admirer in the form of Helen Walshingham, a woman with great social ambitions...

Acclaimed British director Carol Reed directed this genial adaptation of a popular novel by H.G. Wells, an engaging social satire that shows up the absurdity and ugliness of Britain’s class system.  It is pretty slight compared with Reed’s better known films, such as The Fallen Idol (1948) and The Third Man (1949), lacking the stylistic flourishes, narrative focus and emotional depth that distinguishes his work.  However, Michael Redgrave and Diana Wynyard put in some pleasing performances and, whilst it lacks pep, the film does manage to convey at least some of the charm and social messages of Wells’s memorable novel.

© James Travers 2008

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