192 - Goodbye, Mr Chips (1939)

DVD Box

A teacher looks back on his life.

After spending more than 60 years at Brookfield Public School, Mr. Chipping (Robert Donat) reflects on his time at the school.

He remembers his nervous first day at a teacher, and how he gradually rose up the ranks at the school. He also remembers his late wife and how she gave him the confidence to handle his pupils in a manner that meant he could earn their friendship.

Theatrical Poster
Source: Wikipedia

It says on the box that Robert Donat was the only actor that played Mr. 'Chips' Chipping in this 1939 adaptation. This was confirmed when I checked it on both Wikipedia and the Internet Movie Database. Yet, when I watched Donat age 60 years throughout the film my eyes would not believe it was him, such was the transformation with a simple moustache and hair style. Impressive.

Breathtaking visual changes aside and Goodbye Mr. Chips harbours a sweet story. Not only is it one man's affections for the children he teaches, it is also the love in his marriage and the respect between him and his pupils. There is hardly a bad bone to be seen.

Really, that's all there is to say. It's simply refreshing to see a film that has nothing terrible to say about anything. Beautiful.

• Empire Review
• Internet Movie Database
• Wikipedia