Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Chronicling Charles Chipping's (Robert Donat) career as an English schoolteacher from his early days as a shy, retiring loner to his final days as one of the school's living legends, Sam Wood's 1939 classic Goodbye Mr. Chips features an Oscar-winning turn by Donat (beating Clark Gable--nominated for Gone With the Wind--for Best Actor in a surprise upset). Co-starring Oscar-nominated Greer Garson as Katherine Ellis, the woman who would bring a bit of humanity to the crusty teacher's repertoire--ultimately inviting the students to become part of the Chippings' extended family--this good-for-the-soul classic, based on James Hilton's novella of the same name, was later remade in 1969 as a less successful musical, and for television in 2002. Also nominated for Best Picture and Best Director, the film makes its DVD debut (extra-less, unfortunately) in a serviceable but unexceptional transfer, with some dirt, grain, and softness evident throughout. While not the best showcase for this sentimental favorite, this is still recommended. (R. Pitman)