British Comedy Guide
Genevieve. Image shows from L to R: Ambrose Claverhouse (Kenneth More), Wendy McKim (Dinah Sheridan), Alan McKim (John Gregson), Rosalind Peters (Kay Kendall). Copyright: ITV Studios
Genevieve

Genevieve

  • 1953 film

Film about two classic car fanatics who, after completing the annual London-to-Brighton run, decide to make the return leg a race. Stars Dinah Sheridan, John Gregson, Kay Kendall, Kenneth More, Geoffrey Keen and more.

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Genevieve. Image shows from L to R: Ambrose Claverhouse (Kenneth More), Rosalind Peters (Kay Kendall), Alan McKim (John Gregson), Wendy McKim (Dinah Sheridan). Copyright: ITV Studios

Key details

Genre
Film
Released
1953
Stars
Dinah Sheridan, John Gregson, Kay Kendall, Kenneth More, Geoffrey Keen, Reginald Beckwith, Arthur Wontner, Joyce Grenfell and more
Writer
William Rose
Director
Henry Cornelius
Producers
Henry Cornelius and Earl St. John
Company

Alan McKim is the proud owner of Genevieve, a vintage car. His enthusiasm is not shared by his wife, Wendy, but she is prepared to accompany him on the annual London to Brighton vintage car rally, occurring the next day.

Having clashed over his dedication to the car and Wendy's sacrifices, the pair agree to take part as planned; but the arrival of old friend Ambrose with his own car reignites tensions as he makes jibes about Genevieve.

The next morning, both men and their partners set out for Brighton amidst the other rally participants. They make relatively good time but soon both cars are causing problems, causing fresh arguments to flare, and the McKims bear the brunt of the delays, not arriving in Brighton till late - and finding no decent hotel rooms available.

Over dinner, Alan becomes ever more suspicious of Ambrose's motives: it was he who introduced the McKims to each other so had known Wendy longer than Alan has; and his continuing rakish charm and playboy manner begin raising questions as to the nature of their longer acquaintance. Alan brews on the day's arguments whilst tending to Genevieve, but Ambrose's arrival sparks a fresh clash between the pair - and a wager is soon laid, betting the mighty sum of £100 on who can return to London first the following day.

Still bubbling with frustration, if not anger, come morning, the two men make clear their bet and the day's plan to their partners. But the leg back from Brighton to home proves to be even more comically eventful than the journey the previous day!

Stream and download

Additional details

UK certificate
U
Duration
87 minutes
Distributors

The Rank Organisation

Production
Location
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Colour

Website links

Broadcast details

Most recent repeats
  • Sunday 30th June 2024 at 6:35pm on TPTV
  • Tuesday 19th March 2024 at 4:15pm on TPTV
  • Sunday 28th January 2024 at 10:05pm on TPTV

Recording details

  • Brighton, De Burgh Arms (West Drayton) and The Jolly Woodman (Burnham) - Locations
  • Pinewood Studios

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