LastingAware The greatest movie ever!

Cortechba Overrated

Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

clanciai This homely classic of Noel Coward and David Lean is like a corollary to Coward's earlier masterpiece "Cavalcade" 10 years earlier from the 1890s up to the thirties, but this is more concentrated on family life only, and although it's a small world there are some human dramas in it all the same, principally enacted by Kay Walsh as the young and flippant Queenie, the problem child of the family, courted by John Mills as a sailor, who is willing to sacrifice anything for her no matter how bad she behaves.The main actors are Celia Johnson and Robert Newton, though, matched by the inimitable Stanley Holloway, and some of the best scenes are with him, particularly the long scene of the farewell letter. Celia Johnson always made stark impressions as something of the ultimate woman and mother and more so here than ever. It's to the advantage of the film that there is not much of the outside world intruding on the cozy family life. Of course, there is some political engagement by one of the sons-in-law, the great strikes make themselves noticed, there is som fascist agitation at Hyde Park Corner, but there is nothing of the great depression, and none of the great political affairs disturb the family.One of their most charming ingredients is the case of the old mother. She is always discontent and finds a perfect partner to nag with in her unmarried daughter, Celia's sister, and Robert Newton is very categorical in his final comments on her case. It's a masterstroke of Noel Coward to make such a perfectly sour and negative person appear as the most hilarious part of the story.

baluja I woke up in the middle of the night and this film had just begun. At first it seemed old and dated, but as I continued watching, I became enthralled in the ebb and flow of the character sketches unfolding. The Happy Breed is an excellent timepiece, taking place between World War I and World War II, about an average family facing average joys, tragedies, changes, and growth. The only actor I recognized was John Mills, but based on their performances in this film, I'm certain most of the roles were played by very accomplished professionals. The fact that the characters are British, and that the story took place in the early 1900's, does not alienate viewers of different nationalities or generations. The film is timeless because it deals with everyday human struggles and conquests in such a way that most family minded viewers can relate to. I would highly recommend the film to anyone who enjoys realistic dramas, with just enough light-hearted humor to balance things out.

overthetopandhappybso i love This Happy Breed for so many reasons, not least of them being curling up on the sofa on a drizzly afternoon to watch it with my dear mum. along with brief encounter this is one of my all time favourite films. John Mills, Kay Walsh, Celia Johnson, Stanley Holloway and Robert Newton are brilliant, and by the time the credits roll, i feel as though i've been through their ups and downs, their laughter and tears with them. the interaction between the spinster sister and the old girl always makes me smile, as does the Christmas scene with the family gathered round the piano, watch the son in particular. in my humble opinion this is definitely another David Lean classic, and not to be missed if like me you enjoy glimpses into a bygone era. oh, and a little mention should be made of Percy, he had his paws buttered like the true professional he very clearly was.

Robert D. Ruplenas I tuned in to this one on Turner Classic Movies out of curiosity - the play is by Noel Coward, and this is the first movie David Lean directed. In addition I was drawn by the cast; there are some wonderful British actors and actresses here - Robert Newton, Celia Johnson, Stanley Holloway, a very young John Mills, and Kay Walsh, among others. As the story is basically a "slice of life" tale about a typical British middle-class family between the two world wars, I was prepared to be slightly bored. Imagine my surprise as the movie drew me in with its carefully delineated characters, witty and perceptive dialogue, and its well-drawn portrait of inter-war British life. In addition, the film fulfills the highest expectation one can have of a great movie - it makes you truly care about the characters portrayed. I suppose I should not have expected less, with two such gargantuan creative talents as Noel Coward and David Lean involved, but none the less it was a wonderful treat. Highly recommended to devotees of British film, Coward fans, those interested in British history, or anyone at all that appreciated great film-making.