Watch Genevieve

"Genevieve" is a 1953 British comedy directed by Henry Cornelius and starring Dinah Sheridan, John Gregson, Kay Kendall, and Kenneth More. The film follows two couples, Alan (Gregson) and Wendy (Sheridan) and Ambrose (More) and Rosalind (Kendall), as they participate in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in their vintage automobiles, Genevieve and Creepy.

The film opens with a shot of a 1904 Darracq, Genevieve, parked outside an automobile repair shop owned by Alan's grandfather. Alan is proud of his car, which he has owned for six years and lovingly restored, and has entered it in the London to Brighton run with the help of his friend Ambrose. Wendy, Alan's girlfriend, is initially hesitant to participate, but agrees to accompany him on the journey. Meanwhile, Ambrose's girlfriend Rosalind is less than thrilled about the idea of spending the weekend in a cramped vintage car.

As the race commences, Alan and Ambrose engage in a friendly rivalry, with each trying to outdo the other in their respective cars. Wendy and Rosalind, meanwhile, are forced to put aside their differences and bond over their shared experience. Along the way, the couples encounter a variety of obstacles, including an overheating engine, a flat tire, and a police officer who insists on following them all the way to Brighton.

Despite these challenges, the couples make it to Brighton and celebrate their success with a champagne toast. However, their triumph is short-lived when the Genevieve is stolen during the night. Alan and Ambrose team up to track down the thief and retrieve the car, leading to a thrilling chase through the streets of Brighton.

"Genevieve" is a charming comedy that captures the spirit of vintage automobiles and the camaraderie that comes with participating in a shared experience. The film features a lively score and impressive car stunts, as well as strong performances from the cast. Dinah Sheridan is particularly impressive as Wendy, bringing a warmth and wit to her character that makes her instantly likable. John Gregson is equally compelling as Alan, conveying the pride and passion that he has for his car. Kay Kendall and Kenneth More are also delightful as the bickering couple Ambrose and Rosalind, with Kendall stealing several scenes with her comedic timing and natural charm.

The film was noted for its use of real vintage cars, and many of the vehicles used in the production were owned by members of the Vintage Sports Car Club of Great Britain. The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which takes place annually, also plays a significant role in the film, serving as a backdrop for much of the action. The race has been a fixture of British culture since 1927 and continues to be a popular event for vintage car enthusiasts.

Overall, "Genevieve" is a delightful film that offers a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era of motoring. The film's sense of humor and infectious enthusiasm make it an enjoyable watch for car enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike.

Genevieve is a 1953 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.