It’s a shame that many know Alec Guinness solely as Obi-Wan Kenobi. However, during a career spanning over 60 years, he made a profound contribution to British cinema, not just in fare such as Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia, but also the sublime comedies to come out of the Ealing Studios – notably The Ladykillers and Kind Hearts and Coronets, where Guinness played nine members of the same family. Thanks to Twilight Time, you now have a chance to see some of his work beyond a Galaxy far far away, with the marvelous Our Man in Havana.
Synopsis:
Our Man in Havana (1959) is the great Graham Greene’s saucy adaptation of his own novel, starring the singular Alec Guinness as a vacuum cleaner salesman in pre-revolutionary Cuba, bizarrely recruited (by Noel Coward, no less) as a British Intelligence spy. As his imagination turns out to be more highly developed than his espionage skills, the plot thickens. An extraordinary cast also includes Burl Ives, Maureen O’Hara, Ernie Kovacs, and Ralph Richardson; notably the film, gloriously directed by Carol Reed in his third collaboration with Greene, was shot in Havana just two months after the fall of the Batista regime, with the full permission of Fidel Castro.
After storming success with The Fallen Idol (1948) and The Third Man (1949), it’s no surprise that director Carol Reed returned to author Graham Greene for inspiration, adapting his novel Our Man in Havana in 1959. The film was shot on location in Cuba, shortly after the revolution that saw Fidel Castro seize power. While the book was a more serious affair, the film blends the intrigue with comedic tones, largely delivered by some outstanding performances by a game ensemble.
It’s one of those mildly farcical affairs that British cinema was so good at back in this era. A mild-mannered vacuum salesman, Jim Wormold (Guinness), is now living in Havana. He soon finds himself recruited into working for the British secret service. Convenient for him, as he’s being paid per item for the intelligence he acquires. Inconvenient for the intelligence agencies in that he has a very vivid imagination and a dwindling back account in need of funds to pay for his daughter Milly’s (Jo Morrow) school fees. It’s the perfect recipe for disaster.
Director Carol Reed crafted a handsome affair teeming with atmosphere, maintaining that sense of place and politics that Greene was ever so good at capturing in his writing. It’s a plot that spoofs the gullibility of the intelligence services as much as the titular character himself while also touching on the idea of government corruption at the state and local level. Levity is brought into the mix by the undeniable farce that Wormold feeds into as well as the work of a superb ensemble. It’s nuanced work from Guinness, deftly balancing the initial haplessness of this man and later portions of the film when things become a little more perilous. Noël Coward, threatens to steal the show as Hawthorne, the agent who recruits him; however, Ernie Kovacs’ local police Chief is also a hell of a character. The supporting cast is also excellent, with stalwart of British stage Ralph Richardson as spy-chief ‘C’ and Maureen O’Hara as Wormold’s secretary being standouts. It’s the rapport between them all which seals the undeniable charm of the piece.
The Package
The image quality on this release is impressive, more-so considering the film’s age. Clean, with few artifacts/damage, good detail and contrast.
Special Features include the traditional Twilight Time Isolated Music & Effects Track as well as the Original Theatrical Trailer. It’s a shame more wasn’t included; the film being made against the backdrop of Castro’s ascension to power, and with his blessing no less, would have been fascinating to learn about. There is the customary TT booklet containing liner notes by film historian Julie Kirgo, giving some nice insights into the movie. The release is limited to 3,000 units.
The Bottom Line
Our Man in Havana is one of those films that it’s a joy to see get a release. Twilight Time have done this handsome film justice with a impressive transfer. A movie that brilliantly blends intrigue and farce, and makes excellent use of a wonderful cast. A must see for fans of Alec Guinness and Graham Greene alike.
Our Man in Havana is available from Twilight Time now in a Limited Edition release of 3,000 Units.