“Goodbye Mr. Chips” is one of those old-fashioned films that has a lot going for it.
It was the first of the dedicated teacher movies which plots life from young, inexperienced instructor to stooped-over, graying relic who is loved and respected by his peers.
The film has been remade and the plot has been reused, but this is the best version.
Also, the film came out in 1939, which automatically makes it a pure classic. Virtually everything that came out that year, from “ The Hunchback of Notre Dame” to “Stagecoach” to Wizard of Oz” to “Gone With the Wind” is an unquestionable artistic and popular success.
Mind you, I'm not judging Chips” by the year it was released only. And yes, if you had to guess the ending, it wouldn't be difficult. In fact, I will give you the ending right now. SPOILER ALERT: Chips dies.
Also, there are times you must suspend belief. First off, his real name is Charles Chipping. Funny in itself. But it takes years before anyone gives him the nickname “Chips.” Come on. In the real world, he would have been dubbed with that moniker on Day 1.
Played effectively by Robert Donat, Chips’ first experience in the classroom isn't good. He can't discipline the children and is told by the headmaster of the ancient and venerable boys school Brookfield he must control his class or be fired.
So he becomes overly strict and won't let the kids out of class on the day of the big cricket match. When Brookfield loses the match, he learns as valuable a lesson as the children.
The film quickly progresses to middle years and Donat is given an extra layer of makeup. He believes he will become head of one of the dormitories but is passed over despite his seniority. We come to realize after many years, Chips isn't a particularly good teacher.
His friend and German master Max Staefel, played by Paul Henreid of “Casablanca” fame, invites him on a walking tour of Austria as a different kind of vacation. While climbing the Alps, Chips meets a beautiful, independent woman, played by Greer Garson, who after must awkwardness, becomes his wife.
One of the best scenes is when Chips brings his new wife to visit the faculty and his fellow teachers believe she will be dour and frumpy, but she's beautiful and charming.
She teaches Chips to loosen up, joke with the kids, make school educational and fun. Sadly, she dies in childbirth, but the lessons she teaches Chips make him a better teacher and person.
There are so many poignant scenes. When Chips learns his wife and son are both dead, he insists on teaching his class anyway and the unknowing students try to pull an unfunny April Fool's joke on him.
When World War I erupts, many of the students and faculty we have come to know during the picture die in battle.
In this sense, “Chips” would make a pretty good double feature with the 1930 version of “All Quiet on the Western Front.”
I love the atmosphere of the film, its sense of worth and purpose. We can feel the school's rich history, even though it was probably filmed on a back lot.
There are many unforgettable scenes in the film, one being when Chips realizes he is engaged and runs after the train carrying the Garson character.
It's old fashioned, the acting may be a bit broad for some and you might spend more time than you should looking at Donat's wrinkle-necked makeup.
But “GoodbBye Mr. Chips” is a treasure of a picture, one you will want to own and get it out and enjoy on cold, rainy nights.
GOODBYE MR. CHIPS
• Directed by Sam Wood
• Written by R.C. Sheriff and Claudine West
• Runtime: 114 minutes
• Suitable for the entire family
• 4 1/2 stars out of 5
WEEKENDER / Entertainment
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‘Mr. Chips’ great, old-fashioned film
ROBERT LEBZELTER / Video Viper
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