Kenneth More Collection

Star Review

Kenneth More was a very British sort of film star; the sort of chap who favoured Harris Tweed over leather jackets. Not for him the tortured anxieties of American contemporaries like Marlon Brando or James Dean; his breezy charm suggested that he never took this acting lark too seriously – although if people paid him good money to do it, who was he to argue?

But there was always more to More, as this set demonstrates. It takes a lot of hard work to look so casual. His skill with light comedy is displayed in the amiable – and wildly popular – Genevieve. And as Douglas Bader in Reach For the Sky, More became a stiff-upper-lipped icon of British cinema. In truth, neither film is a classic but only a cynic would dismiss them completely.

A Night to Remember is still the definitive Titanic film. And if you can forgive the questionable colonial politics, Northwest Frontier is a glorious Boy’s Own adventure romp. Rounded off with three early comedies, this set is a fine tribute to a neglected actor.

James Oliver on 5th September 2007

View all 34 of James Oliver’s reviews

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Film Description

Five films starring one of Britain's most popular film stars, famous for his roles in, among others, Reach for the Sky and Genevieve (both included here).

In Chance of a Lifetime (Bernard Miles, 1950), the workers in a small plough factory take over the firm, but when a large order falls through, the old management come back to help out.

Genevieve (Henry Cornelius, 1953) sees two friends race their vintage cars on the annual London to Brighton rally. But once they place a friendly wager on who will win, the competition hots up! Genevieve is of course the car, a 1904 Spyker.

Reach for the Sky (Lewis Gilbert, 1956) is the story of one man's indomitable courage and endurance, and tells of Douglas Bader, a pilot Officer who loses both legs in a flying accident. Not only does he overcome his disability but he goes on to become an ace in the Battle of Britain.

A Night to Remember (Roy Ward Baker, 1958) is the true story of The Titanic which struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage from Europe to New York in 1912.

In North West Frontier (J Lee Thompson, 1959), Kenneth More plays Captain Scott, sent by the British Governor in India to rescue a five year old Hindu prince and his American governess (Lauren Bacall) when a rebellion breaks out among the tribesmen. Pursued by the abductors, the trio commandeer a derelict steam train to take them 300 miles through the mountains to safety.

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DVD Extras

• 5 discs.

Film Details

Cast

Basil Radford, Kenneth More, Lauren Bacall, Naunton Wayne, Kay Kendall, Niall MacGinnis, Glynis Johns

Technical Details