See my special pages devoted to my favorite Donat Films:

• The Thirty Nine Steps
• Goodbye Mr. Chips
• The Citadel

GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, MGM 1939

Donat gives one of the best performance of his career.Mr. Chips is a celebration of a man's life as a teacher and it required Donat to age from 25 to 80.

The film begins with Chips taking a position as a teacher in an English Public School. At first, he has problems with managing the students and gaining their respect, but he soon conquers his fears and gains their admiration.

During a vacation he meets and falls in love with a woman who is to become his wife. For several years his life is full since his wife, played by Greer Garson, is a pro at getting the students to love her.

Unfortunately, his wife dies at an early age, leaving him alone. He immerses himself in his teaching. The film follows "Chips" throughout his growing old. He gives the children morale and courage during the horrors of the War. "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" shows the beauty and rewards of the teaching profession, though it can be very difficult at times.

Robert Donat won the Academy Award for his performance in this film in a year when the competition was unprecedented.

• Robert Donat .... Mr. Chipping 'Mr. Chips'
• Greer Garson .... Katherine Chipping
• Terry Kilburn .... John Colley/Peter Colley I/Peter Colley II/Peter Colley III
• John Mills .... Peter Colley as a young man
• Paul Henreid .... Staefel
• Judith Furse .... Flora
• Lyn Harding .... Wetherby
• Milton Rosmer .... Chatteris
• Frederick Leister .... Marsham
• Louise Hampton .... Mrs. Wickett
• Austin Trevor .... Ralston
• David Tree .... Jackson
• Edmund Breon .... Col. Morgan
• Jill Furse .... Helen Colley
• Scott Sunderland .... Sir John Colley