“TESTUBULAR BELLS”

By Raymond Benson

In 1951, Ealing Studios in Britain were on a roll. The so-called “Ealing Comedies,” which became a sub-genre all their own, had become a sensation, especially when the pictures starred the versatile and charismatic Alec Guinness. Earlier that same year, The Lavender Hill Mob was one of the most popular films ever released in the U.K., and it was proving to be a hit in America as well (and would, the following year, win an Oscar for its writing).

Following hot on the heels of Lavender Hill was The Man in the White Suit, which featured Guinness as Sidney Stratton, a brilliant but over-zealous scientist who will stop at nothing to realize his dream of creating an impervious textile.

As discussed in the supplemental documentary, “Revisiting ‘The Man in the White Suit,’” the picture was made at a time when Britain was on the precipice of “the future” in terms of technological advancements, but there was in some quarters a resistance to leaving the conservative past behind. While there are plenty of laughs in the movie, it is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of advancing too quickly.

In the course of the story, the determined Sidney makes many enemies, but a few friends as well, and eventually he succeeds in creating a starkly white suit that repels dirt and stains, will not tear, and is slightly radioactive. It also glows in the dark! The problem, as the men in power come to realize, is that manufacturing the textile will put everybody else out of business—mill workers, launderers, clothing makers, and more. Therefore, the decision is made to suppress the invention—and this causes Sidney to go berserk and escape from the clutches of both the upper management and the lower workers.

There are many hilarious sequences, such as when the chemicals keep exploding and destroying the laboratory, much to the chagrin of the managers. While the brew is cooking, the test tubes and beakers bubble musically with tones and beeps—“testubular bells,” so to speak. Very amusing.

Guinness is terrific, of course, and he is supported by the superb Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker, and Michael Gough. One highlight is the appearance of Ernest Thesiger (of Bride of Frankenstein fame) as one of the wiley, old textile industry barons.

The Man in the White Suit was nominated for the Writing—Adapted Screenplay Oscar at the same ceremony in which The Lavender Hill Mob was nominated (and won) for Writing—Original Screenplay. Ealing Studios was indeed at the top of their game in 1951.

Kino Lorber’s new Blu-ray 1920x1080p restoration looks quite good, a vast improvement over previous DVD releases. There are optional English subtitles, as well as a learned audio commentary by film historian Dr. Dean Brandum. Supplements include the previously mentioned documentary, the theatrical trailer, and trailers for other Kino Lorber releases.

The Man in the White Suit is classic British comedy, timeless Alec Guinness, and a swell time to be had by all in comfortable home theaters!

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