I've decided to do a mini-marathon on the films of Roger Livesey, a distinguished English actor of theater background. Till this point I had known him purely from his appearance in three Powell/Pressberger movies ('The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp', 'I Know Where I'm Going', and 'A Matter of Life and Death'), I loved him in each of these.
I'm starting with the 1948 film 'Vice Versa', which while I recognized the title was surprised to find has the same plot as the 1988 film 'Vice Versa' staring Judge Reinhold and Fred Savage. Both movies are based on an 1882 novel of the same name by Thomas Anstey Guthrie. This is a body swap story where a strict father and a mildly rebellious son switch places, via a magic stone, and learn that each other don't have it as easy in their lives as they had previously supposed.
The story is adapted and directed by Peter Ustinov, rather playfully, the opening titles which riff on the old music hall is a delight. It's mock imperious British, a bit racist in an early sequence, some goofy visual sensibilities, and an absurdist air throughout.
Livesey's having a good time, he does this kind of part well, pompous, but aware of and a little above his own pomposity, all in an amused way. The younger of the two is played by Anthony Newley, who would go on to be a successful composer and lyricist, penning hits for the likes of Sammy Davis Jr. and Shirley Bassey, as well as writing the songs for 'Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory', and marrying for a time Joan Collins. Kay Walsh is the adult female lead, and the junior one a 15 year old Petula Clark, who would go on to be a big pop star in the 60's with hits like 'Downtown' and 'A Sign of the Times'.
This is simply better then the remake made 40 years after, and is a great example of the looney school of British comedy. **1/2
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