The Man in the White Suit

The Man in the White Suit (1951) is probably the most sophisticated and intellectual of the Ealing Comedies. Though it's not as uproariously funny as the best of the lot (The Lavender Hill Mob, Kind Hearts and Coronets) it bests them in its interesting thematic content.

Sidney Stratton (Alec Guinness) is a seemingly mild-mannered textile worker who gets caught using company funds to try and create an indestructible fabric. Stratton is fired from one place after another, but finds a willing (if skeptical) patron in textile tycoon Alan Birnley (Cecil Parker), with the help of his daughter (Joan Greenwood), who finds Sidney's passionate ambition irresistible. Unfortunately, Sidney's extraordinary invention doesn't go over well with anyone: from the textile tycoons, who see their industry endangered, to the union workers, who fear for their jobs. Seemingly oblivious to their criticism, Sidney naively presses forward to his invention, but is unable to stop the forces working against him.

The Man in the White Suit is a remarkably nuanced and thoughtful film that hasn't aged a bit. Sidney's invention appears to be a godsend, but it ends up causing more problems than it solves. There's little surprise that the greedy textile barons would oppose such a project. But what about the workers, who would lose their jobs with the production of indestructible fabric, and the little old washer-woman (Joan Harben) who provides the most biting criticism of all? In showing the pitfalls of industrial progress and invention, White Suit remains a remarkably pertinent and revealing film.

This ambivalent tone matches perfectly with the comedy, which perfect balances slapstick silliness with witty dialogue: the best gag is Sidney's machine, which provides a stream of odd musical noises. Alexander Mackendrick gives reliably assured direction, more measured than his work on The Ladykillers, but nonetheless an aesthetic treat.

Alec Guinness is in top form, making Sidney an endearingly naive yet grimly determined character. Joan Greenwood (Kind Hearts and Coronets) gets a nice part as Sidney's gal pal, and Ealing regulars Cecil Parker (The Ladykillers) and Michael Gough (The Horse's Mouth) get choice supporting roles. Ernest Thesiger (Last Holiday), Howard Marion-Crawford (Lawrence of Arabia) and Vida Hope (The 39 Steps) can also be spotted.

So yes, The Man in the White Suit remains remarkably fresh and relevant to society sixty years after its release. All that and it's funny, too.