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Goodbye Mr. Chips

2003, Movie, NR, 120 mins

Goodbye Mr. Chips: Review

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Masterpiece Theatre dusts off James Hilton's classic 1934 novel and gives it a handsome mounting that shows off the story's timelessness. 1870: The posh Brookfield School hires odd fish Mr. Arthur Chipping (Martin Clunes) because its Latin professor departs unexpectedly and an immediate replacement is required. During his trial period Chipping, soon nicknamed "Mr. Chips," has difficulty adjusting to traditions like corporal punishment and hazing and, like German teacher Max Staefel (Conleth Hill), remains an outsider ridiculed by students and patronized by other instructors. Though Chips yearns for the prestigious post of headmaster, Chips is unpopular with the administration because he's supportive of bullied younger lads. After sticking out his neck over a "barreling" incident involving Alderdyce (Rory Copus), Chips rescues another boy from a hanging prank. Dean Wetherby (John Wood) admonishes Chips that such incidents toughen up the boys for the real world outside and Chips takes a vacation to clear his head. While on his walking tour he meets the free-thinking Katherine Bridges (Victoria Hamilton), marries her, and takes her to Brookfield. Katherine's outspoken criticism of school policies, which she delivers in the most charming manner, help Chips ameliorate conditions. By the time his beloved Katherine passes away, Chips has become the favorite headmaster on campus. Times change with the onset of WWI: Anti-German sentiment leads the administration to pressure Maz into resigning and Chips locks horns with the new dean, Ralston (Patrick Malahide), when he tries to eliminate Brookfield’s scholarship program. Even in retirement, Chips lives near his beloved school and remains an advocate and friend to the student body. Though this TV version lacks the elegant polish of MGM’s 1939 film version, which starred the unforgettable Robert Donat, it's intelligently adapted and the performances are superlative. leave a comment --Robert Pardi
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