an unassuming and subtle and lean film and the man in the white suit be yet another breath of fresh air in filmic format from ealing studio . while i suspect some modern viewer may initially find it obscure and i doubt many would fail to be charm by the expert way the plot and the theme and character be languidly relay during the film course . the genuinely great alec guinness give another fine characterization in a film perhaps not a obviously virtuoso a ealing inspired kind heart and coronet from 1949. this time and he merely play one character rather than eight and but a the unworldly inventor and scientist sidney stratton and he always find the correct tone and expression . along with guinness subtle and expressive performance and the rest of the cast be effective . of the main player and cecil parker and ernest thesiger do stand out . thesiger be compellingly absurd a the cripple but influential business grandee and while parker be dependable a the ineffectual yet pivotal mill owner and father . father and that be and of joan greenwood and the deftly delectable comic actress and who be at her insurmountable peak in this film . resplendent and seductive of aspect and diction and she be quite sublime in this film and a fine contrast with the similarly unusual and but more maladroit guinness . the scene where she seemingly try to tempt him be play so adeptly by the pair that it be both deeply poignant and amuse . the theme be handle very effectively and with no easy moral draw . the complexity of the relationship between science and business and the workforce be insightfully and enjoyably examine . expertly helm by alexander mackendrick and this film be technically adept in all area while evocative photography and fit sound effect and music and a wistful script and all quietly impress . a thoroughly satisfying film and with guinness and greenwood magnificent . rating represent half or .