The Man in the White Suit

UK (1951): Comedy/Sci-Fi/Drama

Alec Guinness is a genius who is beyond geekiness, he's obsessive. He lives in poverty and obscurity, he takes dead-end jobs that barely pay the rent, all so that he can complete his research and present the weary post-WW II world with a miracle: A fabric that will never get dirty, wrinkle, or wear out. Nobody will ever have to do laundry, iron, or spend for new clothes ever again. Of course, when he tries to start production not only do the captains of industry realize that it'll put them out of business, so do the unions. Chaos ensues, to say the least.

Alexander Mackendrick directs a cast that also includes Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker and Michael Gough. A very funny film, in that particularly witty, intelligent, satirical, slightly evil style found in the best post-war British films. This film is worthy to stand with Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) and The Lavender Hill Mob (also 1951), all made by Ealing Studios and starring the subtle Alec Guinness. (otter, IMDb)

 View clips from this film on YouTube.com.

1 nomination