Genevieve is a 1953 British comedy film directed by Henry Cornelius and written by William Rose.
The film stars John Gregson, Dinah Sheridan, Kenneth More, and Kay Kendall as two couples who become comedically involved in a veteran automobile rally from London to Brighton. The story follows Alan McKim (John Gregson) and his wife Wendy (Dinah Sheridan) as they participate in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run with their 1904 Darracq, Genevieve. Their friends Ambrose Claverhouse (Kenneth More) and his girlfriend Rosalind Peters (Kay Kendall) drive a 1905 Spyker.
The journey is complicated by several breakdowns, and the McKims arrive late, leading to an argument over Ambrose's supposed romantic attentions to Wendy. Alan and Ambrose make a bet to see who can get back to London first, with the winner receiving £100. The two crews engage in various forms of cheating, but ultimately decide to call off the bet and have a party instead. However, the bet is reactivated, leading to a fierce competition between the two drivers. The film features a mix of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and comedic situations, making it a classic of British comedy.
The film features a talented cast, including John Gregson, Dinah Sheridan, Kenneth More, and Kay Kendall. The cinematography by Christopher Challis and editing by Clive Donner effectively capture the humor and excitement of the story. The music by Larry Adler adds to the film's lighthearted and playful tone. The film was produced by Sirius Productions and distributed by Universal, and it was released in 1953.
Genevieve received positive reviews from critics, with *The New York Times* calling it "one of the funniest farce comedies in years." It was the second-most popular film at the British box office in 1953. The film was also nominated for several awards, including the Academy Awards for Best Story and Screenplay and Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, and the Golden Globe Awards for Best Foreign Film. The film has since become a classic of British comedy and is still enjoyed by audiences today.
The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and can be rented or purchased on various platforms. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray. Overall, Genevieve is a classic comedy film that offers a mix of humor, adventure, and romance, with a talented cast and memorable setting.