Review of Goodbye, Mr. Chips

There is the Peter O'Toole musical remake which I need to re-watch again despite not thinking much of it, and the Martin Clunes TV adaptation which was excellent, but I consider this 1939 Goodbye Mr Chips the definitive version. The film gives you a warm and cosy feeling just looking at it, and there is a sparkling score. The script has moments where it is droll, but mostly it is touching and very warm-hearted and human. The story still moves and charms me to this day, with the ending especially making me cry, the underrated Sam Wood's(director also of the brilliant A Night at the Opera) direction is immaculate and the characters are all compelling particularly the titular character. The acting helps to bring everything to life, as lovely as Greer Garson is, and a pleasure it was to spot Casablanca's Paul Henreid, Great Expectations' Martita Hunt(in an uncredited cameo) and a young John Mills, it is Robert Donat's film as he is a revelation in a very subtle and sincere performance. All in all, a beautiful film and the best Goodbye Mr Chips. 10/10 Bethany Cox