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Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Play trailer Poster for Goodbye, Mr. Chips Released Jul 28, 1939 1h 54m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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81% Tomatometer 21 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Young schoolteacher Charles Edward Chipping (Robert Donat) imposes strict discipline on his young charges at a Victorian-era English public school, becoming a fearsome presence on the campus grounds. But the love of spirited young suffragette Katherine Ellis (Greer Garson) brings the Latin instructor out of his shell and makes him a beloved campus institution into the 20th century and through the shattering violence of World War I. The film is based on the best-selling novel by James Hilton.
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Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Critics Reviews

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Steven D. Greydanus Decent Films The original inspirational-teacher story, and a beloved valentine to classical education, tradition, and the English public boarding schools of a bygone era. Rated: A- Mar 26, 2004 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Donat does a decent job (particularly with the transitions into different ages), but the script paints his persona as a caricature, not a well-developed, endearing mentor whose impact reverberates through the lives and accomplishments of his graduates. Rated: 3/10 Jan 17, 2025 Full Review Tony Sloman Radio Times This welcome, warm-hearted, humanitarian work was beautifully filmed in England by MGM and is a fine example of that great studio at its peak. Rated: 5/5 Jul 22, 2024 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy This earned Robert Donat the Oscar for Best Actor -- a significant victory considering his competition included Gone With the Wind’s Clark Gable, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington’s James Stewart, and Wuthering Heights’ Laurence Olivier. Rated: 3.5/4 Feb 18, 2023 Full Review Christopher James AwardsCircuit.com The basic heart behind "Goodbye Mr. Chips" really resonates. We need teachers who care about their students and care about the institution of learning. Rated: 2.5/4 Apr 15, 2019 Full Review Tim Brayton Antagony & Ecstasy Robert Donat at the peak of his skills... as moving today as it was upon its premiere. Rated: 8/10 May 24, 2009 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Russ G Robert Donat is excellent portraying Chips through an arc of decades, and Miss Garson is lovely in her limited role. Never would have guessed that Paul Henreid had played the German colleague. Stories don't get any more British than this. It's a window into a world that time has passed by. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/05/25 Full Review Connor S Splendidly done story of the impact that a teacher, in any sense of the word, can have on so many generations. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 04/08/24 Full Review Leaburn O A fairly dry and predictable piece that sentimentalises an old teacher who becomes an institution at a British public school. The character has one great romance and tragedy and that aside there's not much to see here. Made it into the BFI top 100 list. Bought on DVD as not on TV or streaming. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/24/23 Full Review Georgan G This plot is so juvenile that I can't believe people fell for it even in the era it appeared. Mr. Chips was so shy he could barely speak until the perfect woman came along who gave him confidence. I'm a crier if a plot touches my heart but this was too goofy. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 08/08/23 Full Review Mark A A classic. Robert Donat is wonderful. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/03/23 Full Review Audience Member Robert Donat gives an Oscar winning performance in what is considered by many to be one of the highlights in a year known to be as the greatest year in movies. Donat plays a beloved teacher at an all boys school. The plot follows him through his life and teaching career. The tragedies in his private life shapes his devotion to his professional life. The film also marks the introduction of a young Greer Garson to American audiences. Though it is a fairly small part she also garnered an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Though a bit sentimental, the film still showcases a beloved character in a solid film. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Goodbye, Mr. Chips

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Cast & Crew

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Sam Wood

Director

Robert Donat

Mr. Chips

Greer Garson

Katherine

Terry Kilburn

John Colley

John Mills

Peter Colley

Paul Henreid

Staefel

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Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1939) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Young schoolteacher Charles Edward Chipping (Robert Donat) imposes strict discipline on his young charges at a Victorian-era English public school, becoming a fearsome presence on the campus grounds. But the love of spirited young suffragette Katherine Ellis (Greer Garson) brings the Latin instructor out of his shell and makes him a beloved campus institution into the 20th century and through the shattering violence of World War I. The film is based on the best-selling novel by James Hilton.
Director
Sam Wood
Producer
Victor Saville
Screenwriter
R.C. Sherriff, Claudine West, Eric Maschwitz
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 28, 1939, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 5, 2012
Runtime
1h 54m
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