Genevieve (1953) - 7/10

This really couldn’t feel more British and of its time, but it really is quite delightful. Alan (John Gregson) is a barrister. He’s also a petrolhead. Genevieve is his old crank handle red vintage Darracq car. His neighbour and friend, Ambrose (Kenneth More) favours a fancy yellow Spyker. Ambrose is out to impress his new girl, Rosalind (Kay Kendall) and has invited her to spend the weekend driving in a commemorative event of classic cars from London to Brighton. Having endured previous events, Alan’s wife Wendy (Dinah Sheridan) would prefer to go to her friend’s cocktail party this year, but this event means a lot to Alan, keeping the car previously owned by his father in the running. There’s a quaint comedic nature to it all. Light entertainment. Alan and Wendy are lovely. So is Rosalind in her way, with her large dog Suzy, who comes along for the ride. Ambrose though is a bit pompous, laughing at Alan’s misfortune breaking down, he brings out the worst in Alan, which often leaves Wendy suffering the most. The competition between the leads is what drives this, but it’s the women in their lives that really make it tick. Wendy in particular is both the glue for the narrative and the fuel that pushes it on. As things heat up. Words are said. Bets are made and the race is on to get back to London first, with the pair getting all the more desperate and devious, right to the nail-biting climax. It’s charming, entertaining, funny and exciting. Every bit the classic.

7/10