IMDb RATING
7.1/10
3.5K
YOUR RATING
Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.Two British couples pit their vintage automobiles against each other in an exciting cross-country race.
- Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 3 wins & 4 nominations total
Michael Balfour
- Trumpeter
- (uncredited)
Ernest Blyth
- Nightclub Patron
- (uncredited)
Daniel Brown
- Onlooker
- (uncredited)
Joey Carr
- Mechanic Joey
- (uncredited)
Julia Cornelius
- Girl With Ice Cream
- (uncredited)
Lesley Dudley
- Little Girl
- (uncredited)
Richard Duke
- Nightclub Patron
- (uncredited)
Stanley Escane
- Film Cameraman
- (uncredited)
Fred Griffiths
- Ice Cream Seller
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDespite being one of Britain's most well-loved films, this was apparently hell to make. Director Henry Cornelius was vetoed on most of his first choices--Dirk Bogarde turned him down, as did Claire Bloom--and he was forced to make it at studios he didn't want to work at. Cornelius' displeasure was acutely felt by cast and crew, as he didn't hide how unhappy he was. He was also apparently quite lecherous--both Dinah Sheridan and Kay Kendall carried whistles on them at all times in case they ever found themselves alone with him. Olive Dodds, Rank's head of contract artists, later testified that every leading cast member came to her at one point and said they wanted off the film.
- GoofsThe amount and color of Ambrose's beer between shots in the scene before the final race changes when Rosalind is hung over. Also, Rosalind's hangover tablets disappear from the table in the same scene.
- Quotes
Wendy McKim: This is the end! Making a public spectacle of yourselves. I couldn't have believed you could have behaved like this, either of you. Just hawling like brooligans.
Ambrose Claverhouse: Hawling like brooligans?
- Crazy creditsAt the end of the opening credits: For their patient co-operation the makers of this film express their thanks to The Officers and Members of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. Any resemblance between the deportment of our characters and any club members is emphatically denied - - - by the club.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Joyce Grenfell 1910-1979 (1980)
Featured review
A Delightful Turtle Race
What surprises me is the amount of adult humor in this British film that would never have been allowed in American features of the time. Consider the unmarrieds, Ambrose and Rosalind, going away for weekends, or Wendy's rather pressing engagement with a nature call, or the not-so-veiled allusions to sexual activity. None of these were allowed in Production Code America as policed by the Legion of Decency who could turn out boycotts on a dime, while Hollywood's studios quaked in fear. Congrats to the Brits for treating adults like adults, even if it was 60-years ago.
It is, of course, a delightful movie, with just enough grit to keep things from getting sappy. I loved seeing those picturesque country lanes I hope are still there. Happily, filming in color turned out to be a real plus. However, it occurred to me about halfway through that neither of the two guys, Ambrose or Alan, was particularly likable, rather unusual I would think for a commercial film. Alan, of course, does win wife Wendy's and our respect with his noble gesture toward the old man. But otherwise, the two guys appear defined by their rather small-minded obsession with outracing the other.
Nonetheless, the race is a lot of fun, as the two girls look on in bewilderment at the boys' madcap antics. Likely, the real stars, however, are the two wonderful vintage crates that belch fumes and leak fluid, but somehow sputter along. At the same time, that solo harmonica is perfect eccentric accompaniment. Hard to believe the filmmakers could take such a slender premise, small cast, and do it so well. But they do, so don't miss it.
It is, of course, a delightful movie, with just enough grit to keep things from getting sappy. I loved seeing those picturesque country lanes I hope are still there. Happily, filming in color turned out to be a real plus. However, it occurred to me about halfway through that neither of the two guys, Ambrose or Alan, was particularly likable, rather unusual I would think for a commercial film. Alan, of course, does win wife Wendy's and our respect with his noble gesture toward the old man. But otherwise, the two guys appear defined by their rather small-minded obsession with outracing the other.
Nonetheless, the race is a lot of fun, as the two girls look on in bewilderment at the boys' madcap antics. Likely, the real stars, however, are the two wonderful vintage crates that belch fumes and leak fluid, but somehow sputter along. At the same time, that solo harmonica is perfect eccentric accompaniment. Hard to believe the filmmakers could take such a slender premise, small cast, and do it so well. But they do, so don't miss it.
helpful•101
- dougdoepke
- May 20, 2012
- How long is Genevieve?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Die feurige Isabella
- Filming locations
- Rutland Mews South, Kensington, London, Greater London, England, UK(the McKims' house)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- £135,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 26 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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