Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969) User Reviews

A Musical Remake That Didn't Need The Songs

[SFTVLGUY2 · 7/10 · 29 January 2005]

Thirty years after the 1939 classic film won Robert Donat an Oscar and made Greer Garson a star, "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" overcame a multitude of problems before stumbling to the screen in this musical version. Original stars Rex Harrison and Samantha Eggar were replaced by Richard Burton and Lee Remick, who in turn were given the heave-ho in favor of - thankfully - Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark. Andre Previn's score was rejected, and the one eventually used was composed by - unfortunately - Leslie Bricusse. First-time director Herbert Ross was handed the monumental task of transforming a simple love story - that of a man for both his wife and students - into a big-budget extravaganza. That it succeeds as well as it does despite the many obstacles in its way is a testament to its two stars.

Arthur Chipping is a Latin teacher at Brookfield, a boys' school in suburban England where he himself was educated. Introverted and socially inept, he is dedicated to his students but unable to inspire them. Prior to summer holiday, a former student takes him to a London music hall to see an entertainment starring Katharine Bridges, the young lady he hopes to wed. The post-performance meeting is awkward for all, and Chips - as he is commonly known - sets off to explore some of Italy's ancient ruins. Unexpectedly, he runs into Katharine, who has booked a Mediterranean cruise to allow her time to mourn a failed love affair and ponder the direction of her career. In the time they spend together, she discovers a kind and gentle man beneath the befuddled exterior, and upon returning to London pursues him in earnest. When the fall term begins, Chips returns to Brookfield with his young bride, and the two settle into a life of quiet domesticity. Complications arise when aspects of Katharine's past surface, and again when World War II intrudes in their lives, but Chips is bolstered by his wife's support, and his new-found confidence makes him a favorite among the students.

Aside from a couple of musical interludes - the delightful music hall production number "London is London" and Katharine's declaration of love, "You and I" - most of Bricusse's songs, some of them performed in voice-over as the characters explore their emotions, are easily forgettable and in no way enhance the film. Eliminate the score entirely, and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" works quite well as a drama. Terrence Rattigan's script retains elements of the original while expanding upon it and updating it by a couple of decades. He has crafted several scenes between Chips and Katharine that beautifully delineate their devotion to each other, and infused a few with comic relief courtesy of Katharine's friend and cohort, over-the-top actress Ursula Mossbank (delightfully played by Sian Phillips, O'Toole's real-life wife at the time). He also captures life at a British public school - the equivalent of a private academy here in the States - with unerring perfection.

Ross does well as a first-time director, liberally sprinkling the film with breathtakingly photographed moments - the opening credits sequence, during which the school anthem echoes in the vast stone hallways of the school, perfectly sets the tone for the film. Costumes and sets are true to the period. The students, portrayed by non-professionals who were enrolled at the school used as Brookfield, handle their various small supporting roles well.

Highest praise is reserved for Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark in the lead roles. O'Toole was long-established as a first-class dramatic actor, so his Academy Award-nominated performance here comes as no surprise. Clark, a veteran of some two dozen B-movies in the UK and the previous year's "Finian's Rainbow," is absolutely luminous as the music hall soubrette who forsakes a theatrical career in favor of life as a schoolmaster's wife. Her golden voice enriches her songs and almost allows us to overlook how insipid most of them are, and she more than matches O'Toole in their dramatic scenes together. The chemistry between the two is palpable and leaves us with no doubt that this is a couple very much in love.

This version of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is no classic like its predecessor, but hardly the disaster many critics described when it was released. Ignore the score, concentrate on the performances, and revel in the atmosphere Ross has put on the screen. It's a pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon with someone you love.

Wonderful and unjustly neglected film

[christophernash290 · 6/10 · 2 March 2013]

Arthur Chipping is a 40 something Latin master in an English public school circa 1924. He's respected, but not particularly liked. He's seen as dull, hence his nickname: Ditchy, as in ditch water, dull as. The one person who seems to see beyond Chipping's exterior is his friend Max Staefel, the German master. One of his ex pupils takes him to a musical show which features the singer Katherine Bridges, and he meets this young lady again on holiday in Pompeii. Against all odds, they achieve a rapport, and thanks to Max, who memorises the address for him, they meet up in London and fall in love. They marry and the effect on Chipping is remarkable - his buried humanity is unlocked and the boys begin to love as well as respect the man they now affectionately call Chips.

Chips and Kathy have a blissful 20 years together until tragedy strikes in the form of World War II.

Often dismissed as inferior to the classic 1939 version with Robert Donat, this musical from 1969 with Peter O'Toole as Chips and Petula Clarke as Kathy, will always be THE version for me. I first saw it at the cinema on original release and although at the age of 8 I was vaguely aware that it was a film for adults, and some of it was above my ability to comprehend, I fell in love with it. I haven't fallen out of love since. As a matter of fact, when I saw the Donat version on TV shortly after seeing this, it struck me as a pale shadow of the O'Toole movie. I've learnt to respect and admire the original film, but it has never been able to engage my emotions as the O'Toole version does.

Peter O'Toole is brilliant as Chips, his awkwardness, embarrassment and growing self confidence and his all consuming love for Kathy and his care for the boys he teaches is enchantingly portrayed. The scene in which he reacts to the tragedy that World War II brings is incredibly powerful and moving. He really does look like a man whose whole life has crumbled around him.

True, it does make a number of radical changes to the original novel, but this doesn't matter - it works on it's own merits. Never mind the trendy critics of the day, treat yourself to a wonderful two and a half hours of pure magic.

My cup of tea: the pairing of O'Toole and Clark in director Herbert Ross' 1969 musical adaptation of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips"

[ruby_fff · 8/10 · 20 March 2005]

Caught this 1969 film on cable TCM one night. I remember when I first saw the film in Hong Kong, I really enjoyed the songs and performances by Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark. I love Clark best in Francis Ford Coppola's "Finian's Rainbow" (1968) opposite Fred Astaire, Don Francks and Tommy Steele. Simply ecstatic to learn that finally, this delightful Irish-flavored pot of gold musical is released on DVD! Ah, "it's that old devil moon (in your eyes)."

Peter O'Toole as Mr. Chips - yes, he did sing - quite a deliverance. He may not be a veteran at musical like Rex Harrison, but he inhabited the role marvelously. The scene of him running across the lawn in his cape a-flying reminds me of the PBS series, "To Serve Them All My Days" - a lovable schoolmaster and loving man, he is, 'Mr. Chipey.' Clark and O'Toole somehow gave us just the right mix of spunk and circumstance. The songs and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse are catchy as usual. The tunes of "You and I" and "Walk Through the World (with Me)" stayed with me the most all these years. And there's "What a Lot of Flowers," "And the Sky Smiled," "Fill the World with Love" - not syrupy at all. Sometimes I think if the world is immersed in Bricusse's songs and words, we would overcome all strife on earth and 'lovely' will be all our days! Yes, "Talk to the Animals," too. ("Doctor Doolittle" 1967)

Musicals are a blessing to the world of moviegoers, they are somehow larger than life. Like the music and lyrics by the Sherman Brothers (Richard M. and Robert B.) who gave us "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (1968) and "Mary Poppins" (1964) - who wouldn't feel absolutely delighted simply uttering "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"? I was tickled by even just one featured song & dance number in the Spanish film "Km.0 - Kilometer Zero" (2000). My all time favorite is French filmmaker Jacques Demy's "Young Girls of Rochefort" (1967) with colorful cast of Catherine Deneuve and (late sister) Francoise Dorléac, Jacques Perrin, Michel Piccoli, Danielle Darrieux, Gene Kelly and George Chakiris singing, dancing to Michel Legrand's music. Long live musicals.

Vastly underrated treasure

[broberts-2 · 6 October 2000]

I was led to this film when it first opened by Pauline Kael's review which, although critical of the music and other things, was an unqualified rave for Peter O'Toole's performance, as well as highly complimentary to Petula Clark as well. Seeing this projected in 70MM with 6-track stereo sound was an extraordinary experience, so much so that I went back the following day to see it again, bought the soundtrack, and even returned to see it a third time a week later. It is still one of my favorite films and the letterboxed Laserdisk has kept it looking fresh. Seeing Peter O'Toole in this, just a year after he screamed his way (brilliantly) through "The Lion in Winter" I was convinced he was the greatest actor of the day. The shock was Petula Clark, who gives such a warm and fine performance here that there is no doubt that theirs is one of the most affecting love stories on film. This was Herbert Ross' first directing effort and, like Bob Fosse on "Sweet Charity" the same year, you can just feel their excitement at the possibilities of the medium. I was always sad at the critical slaughter this film received, Ms. Kael stood alone, and am so pleased to see all the positive comments this film now earns. Quickly, I love the cinematography, supporting performances, and production design and finally, the music. This was one of the first examples I can think of the stream-of-consciousness musical score, songs are sung partly as voiceovers and partly on screen, switching back and forth, songs will stop and start again after lines of dialog, and return later in the film with different arrangements and lyrics, etc., etc. And a special note to John Williams' wonderful arrangements. Try to see this in widescreen and stereo, forget your prejudices about it and sit back and let it sweep over you

Jolly Good Show

[wright7700 · 6/10 · 7 October 2005]

Watch this movie for the performance of Peter O'Toole alone. Clearly, this was a strong effort even when compared to his other triumphs: Lion in Winter, Lawrence of Arabia. I feel that his Mr. Chips exists a little in all of us. Again, O'Toole should have gotten that Oscar for this one too. Can't the academy ever get it right? On other fronts, I would agree with many other reviewers that this version would do better overall as a drama and NOT as a musical. While the songs were okay and clearly not offensive, they really didn't add anything here. The movie could have been 30+ minutes shorter and given even greater impact without them. Petula Clark was also excellent here, and it's a shame that she chose not to do more film roles. At any rate, this is worth a look for O'Toole and the fantastic English countryside as well as sites in Italy and Greece.

Chips Of Brookfield

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 21 April 2011]

Although MGM spent a lot of money to remake Goodbye Mr. Chips the film is good, but doesn't come close to the spirit of the classic version that got Robert Donat an Oscar amidst the shower of Oscars that Gone With The Wind got in 1939. Yet the best thing this film has going for it is Peter O'Toole cast against type as Mr. Chipping of Brookfield school.

Two things were radically different from this and the Donat version. First the book by James Hilton and the Donat version cover a period from before the Boer War until after World War I. This Goodbye Mr. Chips starts in The Roaring Twenties and ends post World War II a totally different period than the one Hilton was writing about. James Hilton was 14 years gone when this film came out, I wonder what he would have thought of the change in time period.

Secondly the marriage of Chips is a small part of the original story because the character of the wife dies young and in childbirth. Chips is a saddened widower for most the time the story covers which is a very radical change that Terrence Rattigan made to the original story.

Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark have a great deal more time together than Robert Donat and Greer Garson did in the original film. I guess the reason for that is to give Petula Clark a lot of songs. As she's a singer and O'Toole does his songs in the manner originated by Rex Harrison in My Fair Lady, this is one area where she blows him off the screen. The best numbers in the score by Leslie Bricusse are the production numbers London Is London and later on the one that Petula does with the Brookfield boys, School Days.

Michael Redgrave has a nice turn as the kind, but somewhat traditional schoolmaster. And although she only has a few scenes, Sian Phillips is brilliant as the Bohemian type actress who is a friend of Petula Clark's and a closer friend to Lord George Baker who is trying to get O'Toole sacked from Brookfield. Phillips's character might well have been based on Gertrude Lawrence.

When James Hilton wrote his best known stories Hollywood was fortunate to have a pair of actors who were born to play Hilton heroes, Robert Donat and Ronald Colman. They both exemplify the way the British see themselves, purveyors of civilization, sportsmanship, and fair play to the world. Despite the uphill battle to come close to what Donat gave us with his Mr. Chips, O'Toole did get a nomination for Best Actor, but lost to John Wayne for True Grit. Goodbye Mr. Chips also got a nomination for Best Musical Scoring for Leslie Bricusse and John Williams.

We may yet see another big screen adaption of Goodbye Mr. Chips and maybe this one will be set in modern times if such a film could be made. Sounds like a perfect part for Anthony Hopkins.

A Total Delight

[rube2424 · 10/10 · 19 June 2002]

When it opened in London during the Christmas season of 1969 this musical version of James Hilton's famous story was drubbed by the critics. The same reception greeted it when it opened in the US, prompting MGM to withdraw its "Roadshow" status and cut almost all of its songs. What a mistake!!!

Watched years later, when the trendy world of the 60's and 70's has turned in upon itself, this version of GOODBYE, MR.CHIPS is a total delight. First of all, as "Chipping", Peter O'Toole gives one of his greatest performances. To watch him turn from the hated, cold, emotionless Latin teacher at a boy's boarding school, to a man who finally can see the colors in the world (after falling for and marrying musical star Catherine Briskit) is to see a genius at work. (If you can, watch LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, THE LION IN WINTER, MY FAVORITE YEAR and CHIPS back to back over a number of days or weeks. Then you will see what a truly great actor O'Toole is, and how magnificent he is in CHIPS.)

Catherine, as played by the glowing Petula Clark, at the height of her popularity, is ever man's dream; beautiful, loving, understanding, with a great voice to boot. Most of the songs are beautiful and fit the story perfectly, while the direction by the late Herbert Ross brings the proceedings wonderfully to life.

Okay, this film may be a bit too romantic for some people, but for those who are looking for a beautifully acted, sung, and directed love story, look no further. (If you can get your hands of the laser disc wide screen version, better yet. I am anxiously awaiting CHIPS' debut on DVD.)

Goodbye MGM

[AlsExGal · 6/10 · 5 February 2019]

From the post war period until the bitter end, MGM was remaking some of its greatest dramatic and comedic films into musicals, and some of them worked and some of them didn't. This was one of the ones that falls in between. By the late 1960's the studio was experiencing great upheaval, both managerially and financially, and the quality of a majority of their films during this time suffered, not coming close to MGM's heyday which lasted from its inception in 1924 until about 1946.

This 1969 version takes a small picture with great charm and heart and makes a big picture with much less charm and heart. The cinematography is beautiful, and the Greece and London locales are lovely, but they really do nothing to enhance the story. Likewise the songs are completely forgettable, and all of this focus on music and scenery just makes for an overly long film that is not that great in the first place.

This would rate a 5/10 for me if not for Peter O'Toole in the title role. Although as great an actor as he is, he really doesn't convince me that he is the dowdy would be old bachelor Chipping the way that Robert Donat fit the role like a glove. Likewise Petula Clark just can't top Greer Garson coming to us out of the fog on a mountain top like in the 1939 version.

I wouldn't lay this all at MGM's feet - lots of studios were making very weak musicals in the late 60s. This one is only redeemed by the acting talents of Peter O'Toole who does indeed give us some good and touching dramatic moments here.

High quality and very entertaining, a true "love story".

[epippin-1 · 10/10 · 6 September 2004]

I enjoyed the movie and the story immensely! I have seen the original(1939 I believe) and enjoyed them both. To really appreciate the story one must be familiar with English culture and customs. The prof.(Peter O'Toole) was dedicated to his school and "the boys" in that school. It was an English "public" school, which we in the U.S. refer to as a private school (E.G. Andover). He is a very ascetic person and, on the surface, gives the appearance of being stiff, stuffy, uncaring, and weak to the point of being effeminate. He is strict in his educational standards because he DOES care for "his lads", i.e., he doesn't want them to get a cheap or weak education. He meets(through introduction) a "dance hall girl"(Petula Clark) and is totally smitten. In England at the time, the reference to "dance hall" carried the connotation of extreme sexual promiscuity and was definitely "lower class". We find that the Prof. is in fact a very tough and courageous person as well as loyal to people and institutions that he loves and/or respects. Clark becomes more than a lover and wife...she "leavens" his personality and allows him to grow as a man and a person, much to the benefit of his beloved school and his own happiness. The first movie was set BEFORE WW II, this one goes through WW II, also, it is 1969( we've had the "British Invasion"...Beetles, etc. Clark had hits and was very popular then...still is to me), the music is great, color and photography excellent. I think O'Toole played the character perfectly! There ARE dedicated people like "Chips"...all around us but many do not receive the recognition. Very enjoyable movie and story!

The Chipping Version

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 30 December 2018]

As a Rattigan completist I had to see and eventually own this title. Michael Redgrave as the headmaster is, of course, a priceless bonus - for me he was the definitive Crocker-Harris in Puffin Asquith's adaptation of The Browning Version and Rattigan must have had fun with several nods to the former, not least the final speech to the boys when Chips announces his imminent departure. Leslie Bricusse turns in arguable his worst ever score yet these are truly 'show tunes' inasmuch as they are meaningless if you have not seen the film. I have to agree with everyone that Peter O'Toole is excellent in the lead whilst Petula Clark is not as bad as she might have been. Although I now own it it will be some time before I return to it.

No chemistry, excruciating songs

[InigoDeMontoya · 2/10 · 27 January 2014]

After Peter O'Toole's death, I read his obituary wherein it was noted that he received an Oscar nomination for his performance in this film. As he's one of my favorite actors, I felt compelled to acquire the DVD, expecting a treat.

O'Toole's performance is good, though in my book not in the same league as "Lawrence of Arabia," "A Lion in Winter," "The Stuntman," or even "My Favorite Year." But there is absolutely no chemistry between Petula Clark and him and many scenes are played as if they are merely blocking them. Furthermore, what in God's name possessed anyone to make a musical of this? (Fair Disclosure: I've never seen the 1939 original with Greer Garson but it's *got* to be better.) The music is insipid but the lyrics are excruciating...whoever wrote them should spend time in the Lyubianka.

I was stunned to read some of the other reviews on this site. Did we all watch the same film?

Great Story, Great Music

[jvp333 · 10/10 · 20 July 2006]

I saw this film when it first came out, and didn't know what to expect exactly. What followed the Overture was one of the most pleasurable filmgoing experiences I have ever had. A lush score of songs and music by Britisher Leslie Bricusse (of Doctor Doolittle & Wilie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory fame as well as making his mark on the Broadway musical scene), and scored by the incomparable John Williams. There's not a bad song in the entire film. Plus some of the most exquisite cinematography, costume design and filming locations I have ever seen in one film. Not to mention the Academy Award nominated performance by Peter O'Toole, and the equally strong performance, in my opinion, by the wonderful Petula Clark. Now, given that Peter is not the same caliber a singer that Petula is, he still manages to sell his songs to the audience, and that, after all, is what it is all about. This is a faithful adaptation of the excellent book by James Hilton, and deserves to be treasured for generations to come. I recommend this film for family viewing, though most men will consider this a 'chick' flick. But if you like a truly great film musical, then this film is for you. But be warned that a standby box of Kleenex is just as important as popcorn for your viewing pleasure.

Bad songs, good film.

[gridoon · 6/10 · 9 January 2001]

As a drama, this is absorbing and often powerful; an example of good storytelling. But as a musical it doesn't fare that well, because it's plagued by some lame, inane songs. Maybe the songs should have been omitted and the story would have worked better if it had been approached as a straightforward drama. But despite my complaints, I have to recommend the film because Peter O'Toole's superlative performance is truly a sight to see. He takes a rather stereotypical role (the clumsy intellectual), and makes it moving and intense. Perhaps he should have won the Oscar that year. (**1/2)

A Ghastly remake of a Great Film

[aemilg · 1/10 · 3 August 2016]

We were TERRIBLY disappointed in this awful remake of one of the best movies ever made. Its sole redeeming feature was the performance of Peter O'Toole as Chips. He deserved the Oscar (as much as Robert Donat did in the 1939 film), but even he could not feel bad about the nod going to John Wayne in True Grit. In fact, O'Toole's performance makes us want to look into more of his work. He was great in this film.

First, the G rating is way off. It should have been R for nudity and language. Why they ever thought that swearing and gratuitous nudity of young boys was worthy of inclusion in this wonderful story entirely escapes us. It is strange that the inclusion of nude children was acceptable in films of that time. It certainly would land filmmakers in prison today. This is child porn. Oddly, another film of that era which included the full frontal nudity of a young teenage girl also got a G rating. We won't mention the name of that film for we do not desire to promote child porn. Petula Clarke was a very strange choice of an "actress" to play Katherine. Audrey Hepburn would have been a natural in the role, but NOT in the rewritten part that was butchered in this dismal rewrite. Why they ever rewrote the part of Katherine as a floozy is also immensely puzzling. In the James Hilton book and in the 1939 film which was very true to the book, Katherine was EXACTLY the match for Chips, a perfect pairing. She was classy and elegant. She NEVER embarrassed Mr. Chips. He would NEVER be attracted to such a cockney, low class woman of loose morals as he was shown to do in this terribly rewritten piece of garbage. If you like good, clean movies, by all means, watch the original film from 30 years earlier. The 1969 movie really could have been great had the writers stuck to the book's story. With a script true to the book, a classy actress like Audrey Hepburn as Katherine, the totally unnecessary nudity and the horrible language removed, this film could have been a worthy remake that we could lovingly embrace as we do the 1939 film. We have come to the conclusion that we shall never watch a remake again. They are nearly always worse than the original. We do not wish to give the impression that we don't like Petula Clarke. We do like her. "Downtown" or "Don't Sleep in the Subway Darlin", THAT is vintage Pet Clarke. She is just not a convincing Katherine. Imagine Ethel Merman or Carol Channing as Maria instead of Julie Andrews in the great film, "The Sound of Music". It doesn't work, does it? Pet Clarke does not work as Katherine in "Good Bye Mr. Chips" either. This film is useful only as a study on Peter O' Toole. He was great, this film otherwise rates as a dismal stinker.

A memorable piece of movie nostalgia!

[rothwellstudios · 10 April 2000]

MGM produced this beautiful film at a genuine British Public School and I think anyone who attended one of those institutions during the 1940s or 50s will agree that the mood and authenticity of the film is spot on! Peter O'Toole's performance in the title role is extremely moving and Petula Clark is an unexpected choice for "Mrs Chipping" but she is first rate in the part. I note that some commentators were unimpressed with the Leslie Bricusse score. Well, all I can say is that I wore out my vinyl LP copy within one month of buying it when the film was first released. Incidentally, a short version of the film was released on 16 millimetre film in the UK with virtually EVERY song cut out and it was just awful without the music. But the full musical version is a delight.

Beautiful Story, but Why a Musical

[LeonardKniffel · 7/10 · 29 April 2020]

A music-added remake of the 1939 drama, this weeper stars Peter O'Toole, who can't sing, and Petula Clark, who definitely makes up for him. Although it's a mystery to me why anybody felt the need to remake this movie with music, since none of the songs seem to remain with you after the movie ends. What remains is the same emotional punch, having to do not with the music but the love between the principal characters. ---from Musicals on the Silver Screen, American Library Association, 2013

Has a lot of really good things, as well as some debits

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 16 March 2014]

As someone who loves the Robert Donat and Martin Clunes versions, and having heard a lot of negativity around this film there was some intrepidation but considering that Peter O' Toole was a great actor I really did feel it deserved a chance. This film does have a fair number of problems and is a very distant least favourite of the three Goodbye, Mr. Chips versions, but it was to me still a decent film and much better than its reputation. The weak link are the songs, You and I is lovely but most of them are forgettable with insipid lyrics and added little if anything to the story. It was interesting initially to have the songs as a kind of voiced thought process, but it was overused and slowed things down. A lot of the second half drags too, loved the final assembly scene but the dialogue came across at times as sketchy and contrived(with a feeling of Terrence Rattigan running out of ideas and not being interested anymore), making the film longer than it needed to be(and the length in personal opinion was overlong and overblown by the second half). Goodbye, Mr. Chips is a great film to look at, the colours are wonderfully rich, the scenery is eye-catching and there's always something interesting to see regarding the photography. The songs didn't work but John Williams' score did, the harmonies and orchestration just soar to thrilling effect and any theme of any song included is given much more richness, colour and nuance as orchestrated than when it's sung. While the second half lags the first half is good, there is some fun dialogue and there are amusing and thoughtful moments. The romance is affecting and very charming, I for one didn't think it was rushed, and throughout the film there is a great deal of emotion, the assembly scene near the end was genuinely touching. The direction from Herbert Ross is not so bad for a directorial debut, though he did go on to better things. The performances are good, the singing is not mind-blowing, neither is it terrible(unlike something like Man of La Mancha the performers don't try to sing out of their ranges). Petula Clark is radiant and excels brilliantly at being sympathetic, her character is not the best developed but still memorable. The main reason to see Goodbye, Mr. Chips is the performance of the late Peter O' Toole, which is dignified and very moving, also one of his most subtle performances. In conclusion, very flawed but is so much better than I expected it to be. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Hail Rattigan

[marcslope · 8/10 · 19 June 2012]

Terrence Rattigan, who authored this screenplay at a time when he was out of fashion (and he still is), did a wonderful job renovating and updating James Hilton's sentimental novel, and his screenplay, and the playing of Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark, save the movie. Rattigan emphasizes the love story and carefully shows how Chipping, seemingly stiff and unemotional, has great reservoirs of tenderness and gallantry. It's a love story of two very different people who not only complement one another but bring out unforeseen qualities in each other: She teaches him to care, and he teaches her to function outside her shallow theatrical surroundings. O'Toole is as touching as Robert Donat in the original, and Clark, with less to play, is lovely and sympathetic and in superb voice. Of course, most of Leslie Bricusse's songs are dreadful, and O'Toole's no singer, and the internal-dialog nature of most of them (they don't advance plot, they don't define character, they just tell you what the protagonists are thinking) slows the action down. But with Rattigan's excellent touches, a splendidly showy supporting performance by Sian Phillips (then Mrs. O'Toole), and some eye-filling Oswald Morris photography, it's a love story you can weep copiously through--I know I did--and have a wonderful time doing so.

just lovely

[mr_white692 · 6/10 · 16 March 2012]

okay, this is no masterpiece of any kind, but it's just about perfectly done for what it is (with one exception). literary sensibility is always wonderful when brought to the screen, and this is no exception - even when the work in question is as utterly insignificant as Hilton's "Goodbye, Mr. Chips". I haven't actually read Hilton's novel, but this movie feels pretty unadulterated to me. An insubstantial, pleasingly sentimental little wisp of a story, a bit like "Driving Miss Daisy" in its smallness and tastefulness, but better directed and more emotionally satisfying and fuller. Peter O'Toole gives what is, in my opinion, the best performance of his extraordinary career (along with his - utterly different - turn in "The Stunt Man"). He manages to project Chips' timidity and smallness of spirit beautifully (especially in the scene in the restaurant where he first meets Petula Clark's character, his future wife), while lending him great dignity and carrying the film emotionally. There's no question in my mind that he should have won the Academy Award. Petula Clark is, in the beginning of the film, a bit too old and plump to be convincing as the hot young showgirl she's supposed to be, but she still looks great and, most importantly, has the charm and joie de vivre that the role demands she have, in spades, in order for her to convince us that she could melt the quiet old prune that is O'Toole's Mr. Chips and bring charm and gaiety into his life. The film is, in general, surprisingly well directed and atmospheric, with a very convincing school atmosphere. The extras all seem very convincing and well-directed, and the film is lavish - enjoyably so. So kudos to Herbert Ross in that department. The other superb performance comes from Sian Phillips as Clark's actress friend Ursula Mossbank, a heavenly role invented for the film. Phillips is pure style, an exquisitely charming, campy creature, towering in skimpy silk dresses with the sinuous neck of a leopard. The only flaw in the film is the music, which Pauline Kael aptly described as "a form of instantly disposable muzak....Your brain flushes it out while you're hearing it". That's pretty much the size of it, in fact, one may have fond memories of the film, having completely forgotten that it was a musical, as the music is so uninspired you barely experience it at all. It's just a faint irritation that unnecessarily stretches the film out to its unwieldy length. Oh well. A lovely film, just the same.

Peter O'Toole and Petula Clark and company shine in this film

[jeepsdude · 10/10 · 26 July 2008]

I first saw this in the theater in 1969 when I was 9 and immediately fell in love with it. I'm sad that Sony has not seen fit to release this on DVD ("but one day, one day..."). I recently obtained a VHS copy of this on eBay and sat down to watch it 39 years later. I'm happy to report it still stands the test of time. The acting is spot-on, John Williams' orchestrations are lush and Leslie Bricusse's songs memorable ("When I Am Older," "You and I," "Fill the World With Love," "London Is London" are just a few of the standouts. And not enough can be said about Peter O' Toole, Petula Clarke, Michael Redgrave and Michael Bryant's acting. Terence Rattigan deserves an A+ for his update of the James Hilton story. There really is nothing not to like about this film. It's a good cheer-me-up selection. Glad they have released the original soundtrack as a three-CD set with lots of extras. Wish Sony would hurry up and do the same with the film.

Enjoyable, but sadly inferior

[I_Ailurophile · 6/10 · 25 March 2023]

Sam Wood's 1939 film, starring Robert Donat, is a timeless, warmhearted classic that still stands wonderfully tall more than eighty years later. One can't help but be skeptical about a remake, let alone a musical one; it's a normal, healthy reaction, I think. Still, filmmaker Herbert Ross had some notable credits in his career, and singular star power can hardly be greater than Peter O'Toole's. Unfortunately, Ross' 1969 picture doesn't have quite as strong a reputation as Wood's, and it doesn't take long after one starts to watch that we begin to see why. It's not that this reimagined version is altogether bad. What it is, however, is unnecessary. This rendition of 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' isn't so much earnestly absorbing as it is too often emptily overdone.

It is the nature of remakes and adaptations to change certain details, helping each variation to become a distinct creation all its own. We accept this; it's fine, usually, to one degree or another. Here, the details of the title mostly feel like hollow embellishment, diluting the core value of the tale, and that even goes for how some scenes are executed even if they're suitable in concept. The introduction of Katherine, and all those scenes with her, seem less a crucial part of Chipping's story, and more a strange B-plot that distracts from the real meat of the narrative - unfortunate, since her part is substantially expanded here. Conflicts introduced into the plot of any level, mostly connected to Katherine, might be intended to add extra comedy or drama to the proceedings, but they generally strike me as trifling. As well done as the musical numbers may be, they broadly feel quite superfluous, and frankly, maybe downright inauthentic. The result of all these facets, the songs especially, is to all but squash the pacing, as though the picture were trudging through thick mud to get where it's going. Needlessly expanded to two and a half hours, there's a lot of 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' that drags relentlessly, and watching sadly becomes a bit of a chore, even at its best.

Don't take this to mean that there's no worth in this, because that's not true. Terence Rattigan has filled his screenplay with some sharp dialogue, and clever scene writing, and considered in and of themselves the plot points are delightful. Even in his debut as director Ross shows strong capability, and Oswald Morris' cinematography is often rather lovely. The filming locations and production design are swell, as is the costume design. This is, really, as well made as one could hope most any contemporary title to be. Though constrained somewhat by those same factors that sap strength from the feature as a whole, I do think the cast also mostly give splendid performances, more evident at some points (the quiet and thoughtful) more than others (any songs, or more clamorous scenes). O'Toole is reliable, and Sian Phillips, with supporting figures like Petula Clark or Michael Bryant only half a step behind. There are some specific moments where these actors, or others, emphatically shine with all the wonderful brilliance we know they possess, and it's so glad an occasion when it happens. Yes, surely, there is much to like here.

The trouble is that Ross' 1969 film isn't the sincere, wholehearted telling of Mr. Chipping's long, beloved career as a schoolmaster, all the lives he has touched, and all he has lived through. It's instead the middling, sometimes thin story of Chipping, and Katherine, and the trials and tribulations they face individually or together. It's not that this story isn't deserving in its own right. Rather, this 'Chips,' well made as it may be at large, creates its own drama independent of that central tenet, and thereby becomes common and unexceptional. It's not poorly made, but blandly written, and is kind of forgettable for the fact of it; even beats that are in one way or another culled from its predecessor are woefully weaker here. Even so I won't say that this isn't enjoyable, but that enjoyment is significantly tempered by those ways in which the title is made to be watered down, heavy-handed, drawn out, or in any other way unsettled. Maybe I would be inclined to view it more favorably if I hadn't first seen Wood's landmark, but since I have, I can only reflect that Ross' is noticeably inferior. 1969's 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' is possibly worth watching if you come across it, but the truth remains that it's not an incredible must-see as the 1939 picture is. And there's the rub.

Appalling

[goffriller1700 · 1/10 · 4 March 2020]

You don't see many remakes that are worth seeing. This one is worth avoiding. Turning it into a musical....what were they thinking. And the songs are vapid, pointless and a vehicle for Pet Clarke who unfortunately can't act. And Peter O'toole can't sing. I'm a fan of Rattigan and Ross but I simply can't find anything redeemable about this film. Why redo what is already a perfect film. James Hilton must be turning in his grave!

Great acting, beautiful low-key songs in this forgotten musical gem

[tscahill · 10/10 · 15 March 2006]

"Chips" is an excellent blend of music, light comedy and drama with a picture perfect performance by Peter O' Toole and and effortless romantic supporting performance by Petula Clark. O' Toole is able to show the shy, uncommunicative teacher that wishes so much to be loved by his students and is only able to express his love when he married Katherine (Clark). She brings him the world "What a lot of flowers" and he is forever changed. He becomes the beloved headmaster of Brookfield through tragedy but knows he could only have achieved his goal through Katherine's love. The songs (with the exception of the Music hall number) are all "thought-songs" coming from character's emotions and thoughts and, the more you listen to them, the more beautiful they become - "Walk through the World with Me" and "You and I". O'Toole's finest moment is the final speech he gives to the students (it was the reason for the Oscar nomination). As a teacher, we question what "book" learning ever gets through - but, as Chips says, we did teach them how to behave with each other and that is what really counts. Beautifully filmed, perfectly orchestrated by John Williams and one of the most moving films about love and how it can change you. "Did I Fill the World with Love?" the boys sing their school song. By the end, Chips realizes he was able to do it - but only cause Catherine was there.

Doesn't quite work as a musical but great story!

[inkblot11 · 7/10 · 24 December 2023]

Mr Chipping - Peter O'Toole - is a new teacher at a respected Brit public school outside London. His first day goes badly, as the students get the upper hand. Never again. No one really warms up to the man they call Ditch, but he succeeds in drilling some Latin into young heads. On Summer breaks, the socially shy Mr C usually goes to the same place. One day, a friend persuades Ditch to accompany him to Europe. It's there the nearly 40 Mr C meets a younger woman, Sally - Petula Clark - on top of a misty hill. This gal is a musical theater singer and of a lower class, in some folks minds. But, she falls for Arthur C and Visa versa. Marriage follows swiftly. Back at Brookfield school, Mr Chippings marriage is the wonder of the year. But, marriage does much in making him more liked by the boys. Will this happiness last ? This sweet tale, based on a classic novel, is a fine look at Englands public school experiences plus an unexpected love story as well. As a musical, it might not quite work - although Clark sings so well. Scenery and costumes are splendid. For an evening of something "entirely different", try GMC.

Terrible Remake

[Moviemaniamom · 1/10 · 15 June 2012]

This movie is awful. Watch the original 1939 version with Robert Donat for the really great performances. Why they made this a musical is beyond me. It was a beautiful story and did not need the "help". Nothing against O'Toole or Clark - they are great actors but nothing could help this flop. Do yourselves a great big favor and either rent or buy the 1939 version. You will not be sorry. Robert Donat won the Oscar for Best Actor and this film is probably the one responsible for making Greer Garson a big star. I never have been able to understand why producers make re-makes of great movies. It would be more logical to remake a bad one and make it better.