Kipps

er Coote") he becomes rather infatuated with his prim woodcutting class teacher "Helen" (Diana Wynyard) and soon they are engaged - not a terribly happy state of affairs. When he becomes re-acquainted with a girl from his youth - upon who he was keen - "Ann" (Phyllis Calvert), he begins to reprioritise... It's a wonderfully keen observation of Edwardian England with it's venal, parasitic, attitudes as well as it's optimism and decency - tempered with some fun characterisations including "Chitterlow" (Arthur Riscoe) - that pitches snobs of all classes together and demonstrates greed, envy and ultimately love poignantly. H.G. Wells' book gives "Kipps" a few rougher edges, which Redgrave softens somewhat but nothing that really compromises the underlying moral of this gentle, romantic drama from Carol Reed. Maybe 10/15 minutes too long, though - there is a bid too much padding at the start.