Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
In the timeless classic Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), directed by Robert Hamer, we are transported to Edwardian England where Louis D’Ascoyne Mazzini, 10th Duke of Chalfont, finds himself imprisoned awaiting execution for a murder he may or may not have committed. As he reflects upon his life in memoir form, we are taken back in time to see how events unfolded. Louis’s mother was the youngest daughter of the 7th Duke of Chalfont, but she scandalously eloped with an Italian opera singer named Mazzini and was subsequently disowned by her family. Sadly, Mazzini passed away soon after Louis’s birth, leaving his mother to raise him alone. In this humble yet loving environment, Louis is taught about his family’s prestigious history and learns that unlike other noble titles, the dukedom of Chalfont can be inherited by female descendants.
Growing up isolated from others due to his mother’s status, Louis only has two companions – Sibella and her brother who happen to be the children of a local doctor. After leaving school, Louis’ mother reaches out to her relative, the esteemed Lord Ascoyne D’Ascoyne, a private banker, for assistance in starting her son’s career. Unfortunately, her request is met with a refusal. As a result, Louis is left with no choice but to take on an assistant role at a draper’s shop. Tragically, when his mother passes away, her final wish to be laid to rest in the family burial vault at Chalfont Castle is denied. In an attempt to move on, Louis proposes marriage to Sibella, only to have his proposal mocked and rejected as she chooses instead to marry Lionel Holland – a schoolmate of Louis’ brother who comes from a wealthy family.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
| Cast: |
Dennis Price
Alec Guinness
Valerie Hobson
Joan GreenwoodIn the timeless classic Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949), directed by Robert Hamer, we are transported to Edwardian England where Louis D’Ascoyne Mazzini, 10th Duke of Chalfont, finds himself imprisoned awaiting execution for a murder he may or may not have committed. As he reflects upon his life in memoir form, we are taken back in time to see how events unfolded. Louis’s mother was the youngest daughter of the 7th Duke of Chalfont, but she scandalously eloped with an Italian opera singer named Mazzini and was subsequently disowned by her family. Sadly, Mazzini passed away soon after Louis’s birth, leaving his mother to raise him alone. In this humble yet loving environment, Louis is taught about his family’s prestigious history and learns that unlike other noble titles, the dukedom of Chalfont can be inherited by female descendants.
Growing up isolated from others due to his mother’s status, Louis only has two companions – Sibella and her brother who happen to be the children of a local doctor. After leaving school, Louis’ mother reaches out to her relative, the esteemed Lord Ascoyne D’Ascoyne, a private banker, for assistance in starting her son’s career. Unfortunately, her request is met with a refusal. As a result, Louis is left with no choice but to take on an assistant role at a draper’s shop. Tragically, when his mother passes away, her final wish to be laid to rest in the family burial vault at Chalfont Castle is denied. In an attempt to move on, Louis proposes marriage to Sibella, only to have his proposal mocked and rejected as she chooses instead to marry Lionel Holland – a schoolmate of Louis’ brother who comes from a wealthy family.
