Little-Known Comic Masterpiece in Color, from the 1950's
Added 8/6/2009
"The Horse's Mouth,"(1958), is another brisk comic masterpiece of English cinema from the 1950's; a particularly rare one, as it is in color. It stars the hugely talented Alec Guinness, who led a number of these comedic achievements (The Ladykillers;Kind Hearts and Coronets - Criterion Collection), as well, of course, as many serious films (The Bridge on the River Kwai;Star Wars Trilogy). In this particular case, "Horse's Mouth," Guinness also wrote the film for the screen, adapting it from the Joyce Cary novel of the same name (The Horse's Mouth: A Novel). It was directed by Ronald Neame, ( The Odessa File; The Poseidon Adventure) who had a lovely light touch; it received one Oscar nomination.
It tells us of Gulley Jimson, obsessed painter always searching for the perfect realization of his artistic vision, scamming and riding roughshod over those unfortunates in his way as he goes. He receives sterling support from Kay Walsh as Coker, a friend/girlfriend, Renee Houston as Sara Monday, his ex-wife; and Mike Morgan, who died too young, at twenty-eight, ten days before the end of filming, so that his last lines had to be dubbed, as Nosey, a fervent young admirer. The young Michael Gough plays Adam, a sculptor/cohort. As Guinness wrote the part of Jimson for himself, he did, of course, tweak it a bit to make the artist more likable; and give him a better cinematic end. The film makes remarkable use of Lieutenant Kije, by Sergei Prokofiev, as its sound track. It was filmed at Shepperton Studios, Surrey; and on location in London: it gives us an equally remarkable picture of the then-contemporary city, still showing its war wounds. The color, so rarely used in 1950s British comedies, has been well-remastered; sound, too, is bright.
So why is it so undeservedly obscure? Same reason, I theorize, as it is in color: it was made not by Ealing Studios, (see Ealing Studios Comedy Collection (The Maggie / A Run for Your Money / Titfield Thunderbolt / Whisky Galore! / Passport to Pimlico)), so famous for its 1950s black and white English comedies, but by the upstart Knightsbridge Films. And who knows what that was all about, but it certainly has resulted in the film's being little-known.
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If you love the novel, avoid the film
Added 7/10/2009
Having been a reader of the novel The Horse's Mouth for the past fifty= years, I came to the file with high expectations of seeinga version of what I had been imagining over the years. Guinness' work had always been first class and I expected him to do a decent job of Gulley Jimson and Cary's story. Disappointment! The film is a travesty of the story and I was unable to sit through the whole film.
Two stars for the photography, none for the acting.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Quite a bit of crazy fun...
Added 4/29/2009
I was recommended this movie by some friends of mine who share my obsession with the cinema. It was one of those comedies they said I just needed to see, for even if it's not perfect (which it isn't), when it hits its mark it is better than most. I have to say that I agree with that statement. The film isn't always as smooth as it should be, but in the moments where everything comes together there can be found such stellar perfection one cannot help but adore the film in its entirety. Sometimes we have to take the bad with the good and hope that the good outweighs the bad.
Thankfully, the good here FAR outweighs any bad.
The film casts Alec Guinness is what may be the role of his career. As gravelly voiced painter Gully Jimson, Guinness is at the top of his comedic game, crafting a character that is memorable and completely entertaining. Jimson, recently released from jail, returns to find his house boat in shambles. He's in need of some quick cash, and when his attempts at getting paid for his paintings (which he feels were stolen from him by his ex-wife and unfairly sold) backfires on him he winds up shacking up in the penthouse of a wealthy couple on holiday and completely destroying their home while trying to create his masterpiece.
The films construction can feel a little uneven at times, and be forewarned that this is a very British movie so if that humor is not to your taste you may find yourself none-to-interested here (case in point, my father hated this movie).
But, there is also so much to love here. The performances are all so rich, especially from Guinness and his female co-stars. Kay Walsh is delightful as Miss Coker. Her adoration and dire frustration with Gully is beautiful to watch, and she matches her every emotional connection with a humor that is undeniably engaging. I also loved what Renee Houston did with her character, that of Gully's ex-wife Sara. She just grabbed hold of her character and gave her such a vivacious personality. I couldn't stop watching her. Of course, this movie BELONGS to Guinness, but these two hilarious ladies surely helped out a lot.
Another big help was the script, penned by Guinness and adapted from the novel by Joyce Cary. It's funny and charming and engaging throughout. I have not read the novel, but I hear the ending is a deviation. I have to say that the ending works very well, but I cannot say if I would have preferred the original ending since I don't know what it is.
In the end I highly recommend this movie. It is not the perfect comedy, but it is a delightful treat with some great performances and it will truly stay with you for some time; and you can say you heard that straight from the horse's mouth.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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hard to find gem
Added 4/24/2009
This movie is different from others of the same time period starring Alec Guinness (Lavendar Hill Mob, Lady Killers, Kind Hearts and Coronets). The Horse's Mouth is funny and outrageous, but has a serious side that comes through beautifully. Fascinating liner notes shed light on the whole production, which was very controversial at the time. You will never find this one at a chain video store!
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Essential Guinness, Wonderful Comedy
Added 3/2/2009
This is my favorite Guinness film, and one of the drollest social satires of all time. Guinness plays an artist who scrapes by in a delightful series of scams on upper class twits, arguing with exes and a little help from a menagerie of eccentric friends.
The movie is a character study brought to life by Guinness. He is simply compelling, the supporting cast is superb. The closest I've seen to the spirit of "Horses Mouth" is "Withnail and I" which is another favorite, but pales comapred to this. See it, and you too will become a Tully fan.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Little-Known Comic Masterpiece in Color, from the 1950's
Added 8/6/2009
"The Horse's Mouth,"(1958), is another brisk comic masterpiece of English cinema from the 1950's; a particularly rare one, as it is in color. It stars the hugely talented Alec Guinness, who led a number of these comedic achievements (The Ladykillers;Kind Hearts and Coronets - Criterion Collection), as well, of course, as many serious films (The Bridge on the River Kwai;Star Wars Trilogy). In this particular case, "Horse's Mouth," Guinness also wrote the film for the screen, adapting it from the Joyce Cary novel of the same name (The Horse's Mouth: A Novel). It was directed by Ronald Neame, ( The Odessa File; The Poseidon Adventure) who had a lovely light touch; it received one Oscar nomination.
It tells us of Gulley Jimson, obsessed painter always searching for the perfect realization of his artistic vision, scamming and riding roughshod over those unfortunates in his way as he goes. He receives sterling support from Kay Walsh as Coker, a friend/girlfriend, Renee Houston as Sara Monday, his ex-wife; and Mike Morgan, who died too young, at twenty-eight, ten days before the end of filming, so that his last lines had to be dubbed, as Nosey, a fervent young admirer. The young Michael Gough plays Adam, a sculptor/cohort. As Guinness wrote the part of Jimson for himself, he did, of course, tweak it a bit to make the artist more likable; and give him a better cinematic end. The film makes remarkable use of Lieutenant Kije, by Sergei Prokofiev, as its sound track. It was filmed at Shepperton Studios, Surrey; and on location in London: it gives us an equally remarkable picture of the then-contemporary city, still showing its war wounds. The color, so rarely used in 1950s British comedies, has been well-remastered; sound, too, is bright.
So why is it so undeservedly obscure? Same reason, I theorize, as it is in color: it was made not by Ealing Studios, (see Ealing Studios Comedy Collection (The Maggie / A Run for Your Money / Titfield Thunderbolt / Whisky Galore! / Passport to Pimlico)), so famous for its 1950s black and white English comedies, but by the upstart Knightsbridge Films. And who knows what that was all about, but it certainly has resulted in the film's being little-known.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
If you love the novel, avoid the film
Added 7/10/2009
Having been a reader of the novel The Horse's Mouth for the past fifty= years, I came to the file with high expectations of seeinga version of what I had been imagining over the years. Guinness' work had always been first class and I expected him to do a decent job of Gulley Jimson and Cary's story. Disappointment! The film is a travesty of the story and I was unable to sit through the whole film.
Two stars for the photography, none for the acting.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Quite a bit of crazy fun...
Added 4/29/2009
I was recommended this movie by some friends of mine who share my obsession with the cinema. It was one of those comedies they said I just needed to see, for even if it's not perfect (which it isn't), when it hits its mark it is better than most. I have to say that I agree with that statement. The film isn't always as smooth as it should be, but in the moments where everything comes together there can be found such stellar perfection one cannot help but adore the film in its entirety. Sometimes we have to take the bad with the good and hope that the good outweighs the bad.
Thankfully, the good here FAR outweighs any bad.
The film casts Alec Guinness is what may be the role of his career. As gravelly voiced painter Gully Jimson, Guinness is at the top of his comedic game, crafting a character that is memorable and completely entertaining. Jimson, recently released from jail, returns to find his house boat in shambles. He's in need of some quick cash, and when his attempts at getting paid for his paintings (which he feels were stolen from him by his ex-wife and unfairly sold) backfires on him he winds up shacking up in the penthouse of a wealthy couple on holiday and completely destroying their home while trying to create his masterpiece.
The films construction can feel a little uneven at times, and be forewarned that this is a very British movie so if that humor is not to your taste you may find yourself none-to-interested here (case in point, my father hated this movie).
But, there is also so much to love here. The performances are all so rich, especially from Guinness and his female co-stars. Kay Walsh is delightful as Miss Coker. Her adoration and dire frustration with Gully is beautiful to watch, and she matches her every emotional connection with a humor that is undeniably engaging. I also loved what Renee Houston did with her character, that of Gully's ex-wife Sara. She just grabbed hold of her character and gave her such a vivacious personality. I couldn't stop watching her. Of course, this movie BELONGS to Guinness, but these two hilarious ladies surely helped out a lot.
Another big help was the script, penned by Guinness and adapted from the novel by Joyce Cary. It's funny and charming and engaging throughout. I have not read the novel, but I hear the ending is a deviation. I have to say that the ending works very well, but I cannot say if I would have preferred the original ending since I don't know what it is.
In the end I highly recommend this movie. It is not the perfect comedy, but it is a delightful treat with some great performances and it will truly stay with you for some time; and you can say you heard that straight from the horse's mouth.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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