If the films of David Lean showcased Alec Guinness as one of Britain's leading dramatic big screen actors (for ‘Great Expectations', ‘Lawrence of Arabia', ‘The Bridge of the River Kwai' among others), then his stint as a leading man in a raft of timeless classics from the Ealing Studios cemented his reputation as a likeable performer who also excelled in comedies.
Although ‘The Lavender Hill Mob', ‘Kind Hearts and Coronets' and ‘The Ladykillers' are much better-remembered films, there's much to be said in favour of the 1951 adventure ‘The Man in the White Suit'. I have always loved the film as it was a favourite of my father's, and he introduced me to it when I was a teenager. It's not hard to see why my dad loved it. Alec Guinness plays a bright, inventive boffin trying to make his way in the textile industry in the north of England (not unlike my father's early career!) Whereas the other Ealing Comedies tended to be London-centric, this one was actually set up north! It may be all dark satanic mills and a rather overly-simplistic depiction of post-war industrial disputes, but its heart is in the right place.
Guinness plays Sidney Stratton, a young and highly intelligent scientist who toils away in menial jobs at textile factories so that he can secretly access their labs to develop an unbreakable man-made fabric. Everyone thinks he's mad, and he ends up bringing much trouble on himself for his single-minded pursuit of perfecting his invention, especially when his illicit experiments are uncovered. But Stratton is a man on a mission to gift the world untearable fabric. That brings its own challenges – how to cut the thread and stitch it into clothing – and it can't be dyed, so the fabric remains brilliant white (hence the title). But Stratton hasn't reckoned on the consequences for the manufacturing industry of clothing that lasts a lifetime. Suddenly, the mild-mannered inventor finds that he has a whole heap of enemies…
There are some charming shots of Guinness' character at the star of the film where director Alexander Mackendrick (who was also behind the camera for ‘The Ladykillers' and ‘Whisky Galore' for Ealing Studios) showcases how perfect his lead actor is as Sidney Stratton. Elfin-like, with protruding ears and large eyes, there is a sweetness, innocence and other-worldliness to Guinness. Although not a romantic lead, he could nevertheless excel at bringing offbeat characters to life. Motivated entirely by pursuing his invention, he is almost oblivious to the feminine wiles of Joan Greenwood, who plays the daughter of the factor owner Mr Birnley (the wonderful Cecil Parker). As the smart and assured Daphne Birnley, Greenwood is given plenty to get her teeth into. It's the husky, precise voice you recognise first. She will forever be Gwendolen Fairfax in the definitive film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's ‘The Importance of Being Ernest', which she played the following year. Another familiar face in the cast is Michael Gough (Alfred in the Michael Keaton ‘Batman' movies), whose complex character is engaged to Daphne Birnley and at loggerheads with Mr Birnley.
Although the story may be seen as fanciful or small fry, there are plenty of satisfying twists and turns to keep the audience attentive. After seven and a half decades, it remains an immensely enjoyable and well-paced story. There are some beautiful moments of cinematography, not least in climactic sequences where, filmed by the factory walls at night, Stratton is revealed as a man alone against the world.
Like Sidney Stratton, there is something charming and appealing about this plucky film. It's a heartwarming story of the little man rising up against the odds. There would be too many spoilers to go in to how the fantastic plot resolves, but by the end of it, you'll be left with a smile on your face. That it tends to be overshadowed by other Ealing comedy classics just goes to show how many cinematic masterpieces they were able to produce – a rich vein covering relatively few years.
‘The Man in the White Suit' looks stunning in crisp black and white, restored in 4K UHD. As with all films of this age, the resolution isn't quite as razor sharp as modern films, but I last watched this wonderful film on VHS and was thrilled by the sound and picture quality. Silver Salt has done a magnificent job of presenting a clean print free from noise and scratches. For viewers who love extra features, it is necessarily beholden on modern film historians to fill in the gaps and put the film in context. There is a commentary by Dr Dean Brandum as well as featurette ‘Revisiting The Man in the White Suit' with silver screen luminary Stephen Frears and historians Ian Christie and Richard Dacre. ‘The Man in the White Suit' is part of Studiocanal's Vintage Classics range. If you love quality British film, then this witty title comes strongly recommended.
Cast: Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker, Michael Gough Director: Alexander Mackendrick Writers: John Dighton, Roger MacDougall, Alexander Mackendrick Certificate: U Running time: 85 mins Released by: Studiocanal Release date: 15th September 2025 Buy ‘The Man in the White Suit'
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