The Man In The White Suit

There's a brief but telling featurette on the new Blu-ray of Alexander Mackendrick's 1951 comedy-drama "The Man in the White Suit." Director Stephen Frears recounts some of the things he adores about this film, which he considers to be a classic in the way it presents London at a very unsure time in history. He mentions a scene that really struck the right chord for him, which is when Sidney Stratton (Alec Guinness) is accosted in the street by an old woman because the ultra-durable textile he created would render her laundry washing skills useless. This moment is supposed to carry dramatic weight and acid wit, but it kind of just sits there, planted in a movie that doesn't care about the delicate balance between drama and comedy.

Sidney Stratton (Guinness) is a humble inventor who has finally succeeded in creating an innovation that will change the world forever: A fabric that repels staining never needs to be washed and lasts forever. At first, Stratton is treated like a king by the local textile mill magnate Alan Birnley (Cecil Parker), who wants the new invention to have his brand name on it. But when the other textile mill owners catch wind of the invention, they realize it poses a huge threat to their profit margins.

"The Man in the White Suit" is held up by many as one of the definitive films made at Ealing Studios, a famous production house in which many storied filmmakers spent their time. Between the years of 1948 and 1955, a string of comedies made there turned their eye toward the current state of London and won over audiences and critics alike. Director Alexander Mackendrick went on to make his most popular film, "Sweet Smell of Success," just six years after this Alex Guinness-starring dramedy. Unfortunately, this 1951 film is neither zany enough in its hijinks to really hold up the work that Guinness is putting on display here.

This Blu-ray by Kino Lorber and their Studio Classics label is from a recent restoration done by StudioCanal. It's not the most terrific restoration in the world, with dirt and excess noise sometimes detracting from what's on screen. This release still stands as the best way to see the film, especially if you're interested in Mackendrick, Guinness and the string of movies produced at Ealing Studios during such a turbulent time in London. Other special features include:

� Audio Commentary by Film Historian Dr. Dean Brandum
� Theatrical Trailer

"The Man in the White Suit"
Blu-ray
$29.95
https://www.klstudioclassics.com/product/view/id/6299