215. Kind Hearts and Coronets

Kind Hearts and Coronets
1949 
Directed by Robert Hamer

I absolutely love British culture and one dream of mine is to one day live in London.  However, if there is one thing I struggle with, it is British humor.  There are plenty of British comedians I like but man, there is something about those British sitcoms that make me agree with this spoof:

I have been told that Americans just don't appreciate irony.  Either that or we don't think men dressed as women is as funny as they do.  I mean, they REALLY think that gag is hilarious.  In this movie, watching Obi Wan Kenobi dressed as a woman hurt the nerd center of my brain.

This film is about a guy who kills all his relatives for inheritance.  Apparently, this is also supposed to be hilarious.  It is not even that I didn't think their jokes were funny; I couldn't even identify the jokes.  Another thing people say about Americans: we have to be told when you are joking all the time.  I really don't think it is one group not understanding another; just a difference in culture.

Anyway, I really don't get this murder is funny concept.  Movies like Monsieur Verdoux, Arsenic and Old Lace, and this are baffling to me.  Now not only are experimental movies going over my head but comedies as well.  I think I am getting stupider.  Or less patient.  Take your pick.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Rated #6 on BFI's top 100.

Alec Guinness played eight roles.  Oh, the shame.

Guinness almost died in the boat sinking scene.