This musical version of James Hilton's novel concerns shy, withdrawn English schoolteacher Arthur Chipping, who falls for flashy showgirl Katherine Bridges while teaching at Brookfield Boys'... Read allThis musical version of James Hilton's novel concerns shy, withdrawn English schoolteacher Arthur Chipping, who falls for flashy showgirl Katherine Bridges while teaching at Brookfield Boys' School outside London in the 1920's.This musical version of James Hilton's novel concerns shy, withdrawn English schoolteacher Arthur Chipping, who falls for flashy showgirl Katherine Bridges while teaching at Brookfield Boys' School outside London in the 1920's.
- Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 6 wins & 5 nominations total
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaOriginally cast in the lead roles were Sir Rex Harrison and Samantha Eggar, who were replaced by Richard Burton and Lee Remick. When MGM opted to replace Remick with Petula Clark, based on her reviews and Golden Globe nomination for Finian's Rainbow (1968), Burton balked at playing opposite a "singer" rather than an "actress", so Peter O'Toole was cast instead.
- Quotes
Katie: [looking at a carving] What does that mean?
Chips: Gnothe seauthon. Know yourself. The watchword of Apollo.
Katie: The god of prophecy.
Chips: Amongst other things...
[Later at the close of the scene]
Katie: [contemplating the temple she has visited] Know yourself. That's quite a watchword. Gnothe seauthon.
Chips: You're most retentive.
Katie: Give me a good line and I can remember it.
- Alternate versionsFollowing the initial roadshow bookings, the film was cut to 133 minutes, with many of its musical numbers deleted. This was possibly a questionable decision considering many of the songs were instrumental in explaining the characters' inner thoughts and emotions. This cut version was originally used for initial television network broadcasts but the full roadshow version (complete with overture and entr'acte music) is now shown on TCM.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 75th Annual Academy Awards (2003)
Watched years later, when the trendy world of the 60's and 70's has turned in upon itself, this version of GOODBYE, MR.CHIPS is a total delight. First of all, as "Chipping", Peter O'Toole gives one of his greatest performances. To watch him turn from the hated, cold, emotionless Latin teacher at a boy's boarding school, to a man who finally can see the colors in the world (after falling for and marrying musical star Catherine Briskit) is to see a genius at work. (If you can, watch LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, THE LION IN WINTER, MY FAVORITE YEAR and CHIPS back to back over a number of days or weeks. Then you will see what a truly great actor O'Toole is, and how magnificent he is in CHIPS.)
Catherine, as played by the glowing Petula Clark, at the height of her popularity, is ever man's dream; beautiful, loving, understanding, with a great voice to boot. Most of the songs are beautiful and fit the story perfectly, while the direction by the late Herbert Ross brings the proceedings wonderfully to life.
Okay, this film may be a bit too romantic for some people, but for those who are looking for a beautifully acted, sung, and directed love story, look no further. (If you can get your hands of the laser disc wide screen version, better yet. I am anxiously awaiting CHIPS' debut on DVD.)
- rube2424
- Jun 18, 2002
- How long is Goodbye, Mr. Chips?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $9,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 35 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1