A pale imitation: 'how to make a killing' falls short of 'kind hearts and coronets'

John Patton Ford's remake of the 1949 British classic Kind Hearts and Coronets, starring Dennis Price as Louis, an Edwardian draper's assistant plotting to murder his distant relatives to inherit a dukedom, is a disappointing attempt. The new American setting means losing the class-consciousness and class shame that drive the original's dark satire of male careerism.

Sibella's sinful snobbery

Joan Greenwood's Sibella, a cynical minx whose cruel snobbery sets Louis on his murderous path, is here replaced by Margaret Qualley in a slinky but similarly callous role.

However, Glen Powell as Becket Redfellow, excluded from his clan and intent on serial killing his way to control, falls flat compared to Price's ice-cold elegance and furious power.

While the plot sticks close to the original, the victims are lamely recast, with no actor daring to take on Alec Guinness's phenomenal multi-role performance. Even Powell's efforts can't elevate the pale imitation.