Kipps (1941)

Michael Redgrave is "Mr. Kipps", a lowly draper's assistant who struggles to better himself until, that is, he inherits a house and £25,000 from his grandfather, of whom he has never heard and everything now seems possible. Except, of, course - he is a fish out of water with his new "friends" never quite sure who is trying to flannel him, charm him or even extort from him whilst his older friends no longer mix in his exalted circles. Taken under the wing of Max Adrian ("Chester Coote") he becomes rather infatuated with his prim woodcutting class teacher "Helen" (Diana Wynyard) and soon they are engaged - not a terribly happy state of affairs. When he becomes re-acquainted with a girl from his youth - upon who he was keen - "Ann" (Phyllis Calvert), he begins to reprioritise... It's a wonderfully keen observation of Edwardian England with it's venal, parasitic, attitudes as well as it's optimism and decency - tempered with some fun characterisations including "Chitterlow" (Arthur Riscoe) - that pitches snobs of all classes together and demonstrates greed, envy and ultimately love poignantly. H.G. Wells' book gives "Kipps" a few rougher edges, which Redgrave softens somewhat but nothing that really compromises the underlying moral of this gentle, romantic drama from Carol Reed. Maybe 10/15 minutes too long, though - there is a bid too much padding at the start.