O'Toole is marvelous!
Remaking a
classic film is a dangerous prospect. Remaking a
classic such as "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is
downright scary.
Peter O'Toole had little chance of creating the
overall impact of Robert Donat in the original
film, and so he wisely chose to make the role
his own. Rather unexpectedly, O'Toole is quite
the delightful singing and matches well with
Petula Clark, in the role of Katherine Bridges.
Clark was a rather distressing choice when
initially cast, as the role had originally been
envisioned for Lee Remick. Clark was cast more
related to her singing ability, on display in
Francis Ford Coppola's "Finian's Rainbow."
As directed by Herbert Ross, this remake of
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a visual and musical
feast of inspiration and delight. The film
earned Oscar nominations for O'Toole and its'
music, and O'Toole won the Golden Globe for his
performance here.
The 1969 remake of "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is
different enough from the original to
distinguish it as a wonderful film, but I still
find myself preferring the original and,
specifically, Donat's performance. While O'Toole
is marvelous, Donat inhabits the soul of Mr.
Chips with a performance that is energetic,
soulful, heartbreaking and intimate. We are left
with a lively, well acted but ultimately less
satisfying film.
©
Written by Richard Propes
TC Candler's Comment
n/a
Jacob
Hall's Comment
n/a
