Alec Guinness revolutionizes the textile industry. Image: IMDb
Confession: We (yours truly) love browsing through clothing shops, both new and vintage.
We find it truly intriguing to see What’s New in the fashion world. You’d think, after centuries of clothing design, humans would’ve run out of ideas, but that’s never quite the case.
So we were delighted to find a British movie that examines the textile and clothing industries, and the role they play in our economy.
The Man in the White Suit (1951) stars Alec Guinness as an odd genius who creates an indestructible fabric. His material is resistant to stains and rips, and it will last Forever.
(Imagine having just one outfit for the next 50 years. Wouldn’t that be something.)
Anyhoo, the fabric Guinness develops seems like it’s woven from gossamer threads, but it is Tough. You have to cut it with a welding torch.
To test his invention, Guinness has a suit tailored from the stuff, and it’s so white it’s luminous. Regardless of spills or encounters with sharp objects, the brilliant white suit remains unsullied. No more laundry or mending!
However, when British textile executives learn of Guinness’s invention, they scheme to get full ownership his formula. They intend to suppress and deny the existence of this fabric, ensuring it will never be available to the public.
Uh oh. Mill owners are nervous. Image: IMDb
For decades, Britain was the Big Kid on the block when it came to textiles, thanks to automated machines developed during the Industrial Revolution. Then came WWI which was, understandably, bad for business.
There was a slight increase in production during WWII, namely making uniforms and parachutes for the military. Yet, this led to shortages of wool and cotton for consumers, so new fabrics, such as rayon, were developed. Ready-to-wear clothing, rather than custom- or hand-made items, became popular.
After the war, Britain was still experiencing shortages and rationing, and clothing was no exception. According to the website, The Seamstress of Bloomsbury, there was a points system for clothing: A dress was 11 points, for example, while a man’s shirt was 8.
By the time the British economy evened out, other countries had their own textile industries that were surpassing the Brits.
No wonder industry leaders portrayed in The Man in the White Suit were so concerned about a perpetual cloth. It would mean shutting down factories and laying off workers. Sheep farmers and cotton growers could declare bankruptcy. And never mind the erosion of the executives’ personal bank accounts!
In the film, labour unions form an unusual alliance with mill owners; they all know what is At Stake. As one worker tells Guinness, “They’ll never let it on the market.” This means everyone, including laundry workers.
In one scene, Guinness runs into an elderly washerwoman delivering a basket of neatly-folded laundry. “What about my bit of washing when there’s no washing to do?” she asks, worried for her livelihood.
The central question is: What is the cost of a perpetual textile that could save consumers millions?
Guinness in his luminescent white suit. Image: IMDb
The Man in the White Suit is a lot of things packed into an 85-minute runtime. It’s a madcap screwball comedy, a social commentary, and a cynical look at capitalism. It also explores the nature of an eccentric genius who is so tightly focused on his work he has no concept of the world in which he lives.
This movie was one of the most popular movies in Britain in 1951. The script, originally an unproduced stage play, was also nominated for an Oscar.
Fourteen versions of the white suit were made by the studio wardrobe department, according to TCM. The rayon used in the suit was treated to give it a luminous sheen. (Note: The luminosity is not helpful to Guinness’s character when he’s On The Run at night.)
It you haven’t yet seen The Man in the White Suit, we recommend this unpredictable and biting satire that’s become something of a cult classic.
This post is dedicated to the marvelous Blanca of Beauty & More, a fashionable supporter of sustainability.
The Man in the White Suit starring Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker. Directed by Alexander Mackendrick. Written by Roger MacDougall, John Dighton & Alexander Mackendrick. Ealing Studios, 1951, B&W, 85 mins.
The Man in The White Suit is a quirky little satire of a movie, and another gem staring Alec Guinness. Been a while since I’ve seen it and your post has certainly got me all nostalgic to revisit it again. 🙂
I have heard of this one, but never felt compelled to check it out — until now, of course! I enjoyed reading about it, and appeciated the history on the British textile industry as well. Adding this to my watchlist now, and looking forward to it!
We do live in a use-and-toss society, don’t we? I’m as guilty of that as anyone.
I have relatives who live off-grid using solar power, etc. They struggle during the dark months of December and January, but kudos to them for making it work!
The satire in this thing is evergreen and could still work with only slight tweaks today. And for such a funny movie, that ending chase is weirdly haunting, almost like a scene from a horror movie!
Ha! You’re right about that chase scene. It seems like this film goes in a lot of different directions, tonally speaking, but it works. Such a clever movie, hey?
That would be perfect especially if M Delon wore one, as I do tend to spill things when I’m nervous so I wouldn’t worry about a wee accident with something in his company… mind you he might have to take the jumper off… thoughts?
I adore The Man in the White Suit. I think it is one of the best British comedies of the Fifties, which is really saying a lot! Not many movies can address serious issues in only 85 minutes and still be hilarious. Anyway, thanks for taking part in the blogathon!
What a creative and informative review! You know, by now I SHOULD have seen this film already. I started an Ealing Comedies blog series back in 2023 which I sadly abandoned after review number 5 (Kind Hearts and Coronets). Maybe I should get back to it one day? Regardless, now I really want to see this film, blog series or not!
Oh yes, you should bring back the Ealing Comedies series. I think I missed this series, but I’m going to go through it as I read a new book on the Ealing studio I just bought. Anyhoo, I hope you get a chance to see The Man in the White Suit. I think you’ll love it.
Having the same clothes for the next 50 years sound fantastic – unless we put on weight, but I imagine Alec Guinness thought about that, too! I’ll have to check this film out soon.
Ha! I never thought of the weight gain/loss aspect of owning clothes for the next 50 years. Good point!
I think you’d like this film. It’s part screwball comedy and part social commentary. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
I have recently been working my way through the Ealing comedies, and like you mentioned, was surprised how much they packed into this one. That chase scene at the end is really something else! A moment in cinema that stays with you.
Guinness is probably rolling in his grave knowing that he is remembered mostly as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Unfortunately, many people forget that he first gained stardom as a comic actor in the Ealing comedies. He was perfect in these satires– the Peter Sellers of the 1950s. Kind Hearts and Coronets is likely his tour de force, as he plays multiple roles brilliantly. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.
Silver Screenings 
The Man in The White Suit is a quirky little satire of a movie, and another gem staring Alec Guinness. Been a while since I’ve seen it and your post has certainly got me all nostalgic to revisit it again. 🙂
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It’s a crazy yet profound film, isn’t it? Can’t believe it took me this long to see it.
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💜
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Thanks for dropping by!
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I have heard of this one, but never felt compelled to check it out — until now, of course! I enjoyed reading about it, and appeciated the history on the British textile industry as well. Adding this to my watchlist now, and looking forward to it!
Karen
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It’s a wild ride, Karen, but it also raises some crucial questions about our economic system.
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Sounds like the same rationale against electric vehicles and solar power—cynical but prescient!
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We do live in a use-and-toss society, don’t we? I’m as guilty of that as anyone.
I have relatives who live off-grid using solar power, etc. They struggle during the dark months of December and January, but kudos to them for making it work!
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The satire in this thing is evergreen and could still work with only slight tweaks today. And for such a funny movie, that ending chase is weirdly haunting, almost like a scene from a horror movie!
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Ha! You’re right about that chase scene. It seems like this film goes in a lot of different directions, tonally speaking, but it works. Such a clever movie, hey?
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It’s a long time since I watched this one but I remember enjoying it! Interesting thoughts on it.
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I can’t believe I waited so long to see this film. It’s so well done – never drags, never wades into unnecessary waters. It’s such a great time!
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Who doesn’t want an outfit that doesn’t stain.. this sounds like a pretty quirky movie, thanks for introducing us to it.
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Agreed – a stain-resistant outfit would be very useful. Now, if one could get a stain-resistant chunky jumper…
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That would be perfect especially if M Delon wore one, as I do tend to spill things when I’m nervous so I wouldn’t worry about a wee accident with something in his company… mind you he might have to take the jumper off… thoughts?
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Bahaha! This is a brilliant comment.
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It’s even more brilliant as I don’t have to explain myself to you…
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Not a film I have ever heard of but it sounds fun! Definitely could do with something similarly unstainable for work. 🙂
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Ha! Unstainable would be where it’s at. If I had a nickel for every time I spilled chocolate or spaghetti sauce on a favourite shirt…!
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I found it on streaming! And also at the library.
Thanks for this great review
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Yay! Glad you were able to locate it. It’s a wacky, wild ride in places, but also very thought-provoking.
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I adore The Man in the White Suit. I think it is one of the best British comedies of the Fifties, which is really saying a lot! Not many movies can address serious issues in only 85 minutes and still be hilarious. Anyway, thanks for taking part in the blogathon!
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Thanks for hosting this blogathon. So many great “new” British movies to see!
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What a creative and informative review! You know, by now I SHOULD have seen this film already. I started an Ealing Comedies blog series back in 2023 which I sadly abandoned after review number 5 (Kind Hearts and Coronets). Maybe I should get back to it one day? Regardless, now I really want to see this film, blog series or not!
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Oh yes, you should bring back the Ealing Comedies series. I think I missed this series, but I’m going to go through it as I read a new book on the Ealing studio I just bought. Anyhoo, I hope you get a chance to see The Man in the White Suit. I think you’ll love it.
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Having the same clothes for the next 50 years sound fantastic – unless we put on weight, but I imagine Alec Guinness thought about that, too! I’ll have to check this film out soon.
Thanks for the kind comment,
Le
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Ha! I never thought of the weight gain/loss aspect of owning clothes for the next 50 years. Good point!
I think you’d like this film. It’s part screwball comedy and part social commentary. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts.
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I have recently been working my way through the Ealing comedies, and like you mentioned, was surprised how much they packed into this one. That chase scene at the end is really something else! A moment in cinema that stays with you.
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True! I recently bought a book on Ealing Studios, and can’t wait to read all the behind-the-scenes goings-on.
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I love Alec Guinness and those old Ealing comedies. Man in the White Suit is a charming satire.
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This is such a great film. I’m sorry it took me so long to discover it. Alec Guiness was perfectly cast.
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Guinness is probably rolling in his grave knowing that he is remembered mostly as Obi-Wan Kenobi. Unfortunately, many people forget that he first gained stardom as a comic actor in the Ealing comedies. He was perfect in these satires– the Peter Sellers of the 1950s. Kind Hearts and Coronets is likely his tour de force, as he plays multiple roles brilliantly. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it.
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I love Kind Hearts and Coronets, and your description of Guiness as the 1950s Peter Sellers is pefect.
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