UK/1951—directed by Alexander Mackendrick | 85 min.

In The Man in the White Suit, Alec Guinness plays a brilliant but underappreciated chemistry genius who, relegated to the role of laboratory dishwasher, secretly works on a revolutionary invention: a fabric that never wears out or gets dirty. Unaware of the social and economic implications of his discovery, he stirs up trouble in a capitalist society where eliminating “planned obsolescence” could threaten factory profits and workers’ livelihoods. 

Directed by Alexander Mackendrick, this visionary comedy is also a sharp critique of society, brilliantly foreshadowing the themes of his later film, Sweet Smell of Success. The film was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Screenplay.

“Mackendrick directs with a controlled bravado rare in British cinema, achieving miracles of timing and comedy.” – Halliwell’s Film Guide

Part of the newly restored 4K Ealing Studios series, this witty and satirical comedy is a cornerstone of British cinema, celebrating the sly genius of Alec Guinness, known worldwide for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Screening Schedule:

• Kind Hearts and Coronets – May 23 @ 7:00 pm
• The Lavender Hill Mob – May 24 @ 3:00 pm
• The Man in the White Suit – May 24 @ 7:00 pm
• The Ladykillers – May 25 @ 2:00 pm