GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS

Martin Jarvis's strong narrative voice gives dimension to his portrayal of an aging teacher at a British boys’ boarding school. His delivery works well to avoid the sentimentality of this classic and gives likability to his characterization of the elderly Mr. Chips. The story begins when he is a shy novice teacher; then he meets his cheerful wife, Katherine, who nicknames him "Chips." It’s she who wins over the students, to whom her husband dedicates his life after her untimely death. Most poignant are Jarvis's stumbling yet well-timed speeches in the character of Chips, which retain a spark of humor that allows listeners to see how he inspires the students with his clever wit as he leads the school with strength and honor during the uncertainty of WWII. S.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]