GENEVIEVE (1953) C 86m dir: Henry Cornelius

w/John Gregson, Dinah Sheridan, Kenneth More, Kay Kendall, Geoffrey Keen, Harold Siddons, Reginald Beckwith, Arthur Wontner, Joyce Grenfell, Leslie Mitchell

From The Movie Guide: "Smooth as custard. A wonderful British comedy about two couples, classic car enthusiasts, who participate in the annual London-to-Brighton rally. The title comes from the 1904 roadster owned by Alan and Wendy McKim (John Gregson and Dinah Sheridan), who, on the return trip, challenge their friends Ambrose (Kenneth More) and Rosalind (Kay Kendall) to a friendly race. Their playfulness becomes increasingly intense as they speed to the Westminster Bridge finish line.

"The screenplay is marvelous, the film is full of the fresh air of the English countryside, the color is appealing and the famous harmonica score by Larry Adler is perfect. The four leads are wonderful in the roles that clinched stardom for them all. From Kay Kendall's trumpet solo to Kenneth More's ongoing battle with his girlfriend's dog, each one has at least a few priceless bits of character business. That old stalwart Arthur Wontner has a lovely, touching bit at the finale, and the whole film is so good it makes you regret that Henry Cornelius didn't make more films than he did."

GENEVIEVE was nominated for two Oscars: Best Original Screenplay (William Rose) and Score (Muir Mathieson).