"First off, I do not own this CD. I have listened to parts of it.
The CD is obviously a recording of a stage version of Chips, with some added songs. But also with some rather grievous omissions. Where is "London Is London" which was so beautifully performed by Clark - and for that matter Clark's soulful lament to "Apollo". This recording just won't do. I'm sorry I can't share the other reviewer's enthusiasm. I would much rather listen to the VHS version to get my fix. I do own the original MGM issue of the soundtrack on vinyl, thank God. It's about time the original with O'Toole & Clark were issued on CD. For that matter I would love to see this film on DVD also. So how about Apollo "make my dream come true""
Finally this CD was released!
06/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ever since I saw the movie 'Goodbye Mr.Chips' starring Peter O'Toole I've been searching and hoping that someday the songs and lyrics of this great musical would be released. I have never seen the stage version of this musical however so I knew there would be some differences. It's been a while since I've seen the movie so I could be wrong on this, but I believe all of the songs featured on the movie are in the soundtrack...not sung by Peter O'Toole but equally as good I think. There were also some songs that were new to me, that weren't featured in the movie. Also, the plot of the stage version must be somewhat different from the movie, so there are surprises there as well. Overall my long awaited release of this soundtrack was met with a wonderful CD to add to my collection."
Grab the movie soundtrack instead...
Edwin Graf Diemer | Red Bank, NJ USA | 11/24/2001
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I searched this one out hoping for great things (more "Chips" songs!), but what a let down! Performances are banal, and the new songs really would give the critics ammunition who hated the score. A vinyl copy of the soundtrack isn't hard to find (if you can play it!), and should tide you over until a CD or DVD release-please MGM!"
A pale substitute for the film soundtrack
Terry Foster | UK | 07/17/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I believe that the musical film version of "Goodbye Mr Chips" is one of the most underrated in the history of musical movies. Somewhat adapted from James Hilton's original short story, it is nevertheless a truly moving experience blessed by wonderful performances and a lovely score from Leslie Bricusse. The movie score has the inestimable advantage of being arranged and conducted by John Williams...and that is largely what is missing from this theatre version.
The current recording is taken from a stage presentation that was very well received at the Chichester Festival Theatre (in the UK). The story was closer to Hilton's original; the band smaller (naturally) than the equivalent forces used in the film and although Sir John Mills arguably sings better than Peter O'Toole, the performance of the latter is simply far more heartfelt.
Writing from the UK, we have been even less well served than those in the USA - inexplicably for this most "English" of movies. The VHS version of the movie was only briefly available and the vinyl soundtrack (no longer available) is in emaciated sound.
Buy this version if you went to the Chichester theatre to see it: it might be a nice momento for you. Otherwise call on whatever means are at your disposal to urge MGM to release the movie on DVD (including, please, Intro., Entr'Acte and Exit music!) and the soundtrack on CD!"