Goodbye, Mr Chips

By: James Hilton

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 1 hr and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

Mr Chipping, classics master at Brookfield school since 1870 - an old man - is reflecting upon his life in education. This cleverly and touchingly woven story intertwines a heart-wrenching and joyful romance with Mr Chipping's life as a teacher and the highs and lows that he has experienced in that capacity.

Martin Jarvis is the perfect reader, as his lilting and soothing voice carries listeners along on a swell of nostalgia, leaving them wishing that they could have been there to celebrate all of Mr Chipping's happiness with him.

©1997 CSA Word (P)2006 CSA Word

A Sweet Old Story

The story is achingly sweet, sad, and triumphant, and the narration is a marvel. How can such a long story be told so quickly and with so much detail that you feel as if have been in another world for days with it's short telling is done? The narration is superb and endearing.

Wonderful to listen to

This story has long been one of my favorite movies, and I do think that this is a rare case of the movie being a richer experience than the book. The book is very short (shorter than the movie in fact), and relates, mostly in third person narrative - very little dialogue - the events of Mr. Chips' life and career as a beloved schoolmaster. Being familiar with the story, I could envision the scenes from the film as they were narrated in the book. Martin Jarvis beautifully captured the tone of Mr. Chips' voice, adding to the enjoyment. Those not familiar with the 1939 movie may not be able to envision the scenes so well. I do think because of the excellent reading by Jarvis that this is better heard than read, whether you know the movie or not. I got this title on sale, and the price made it a very nice selection.

I Will Miss You Mr Chips

The narration is worth a credit or the cost of this audio book Martin Jarvis handles all the voices with a stroke of genius. The story is wonderful and touching.


If I only I had teachers like that!

What a great performance by Martin Jarvis and what a great book I James Hilton

What a touching beautiful story James Hilton wrote. So full of emotion and life and the joys and the difficulties that make up our lives. Martin Jarvis does such an exceptional job of narrating this wonderful book and bringing it to life in an extraordinary way. I highly suggest listening to this version if you have not had the pleasure Of reading this book yet. Or for that matter if you have previously read it but want to enjoy it again, this would be the way.

Well-sequenced historical bylines- great story!

Invigorating scenes, strong moral positives, and humorously entertaining and descriptive teaching moments throughout this wonderful story.

Timeless Classic

Sentimental story about Mr. Chips, a beloved teacher for an all boys boarding school. It is my all time favorite book.

Some stories are timeless

Goodbye Mr. Chips is one of those stories that just doesn’t get old. This audio version was obviously performed with what I can only describe as love and respect. Hilton’s beloved schoolmaster is brought to life by this narrator. A thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

A wonderful classic

I saw the movie and loved it. Then I heard years later it was a book and check here. I wonderful classic story of a man who had a simple and rich life. I have listened to it three times already. Still love it. Excellent performance by the narrator.

Understated but charming

If you could sum up Goodbye Mr Chips in three words, what would they be?

A gentle tale of quiet dignity (I know, six words!)

Have you listened to any of Martin Jarvis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Quite talented. I always enjoy his narration even when I'm not drawn into a story. He also gives a wonderful performance in Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.

If you could rename Goodbye Mr Chips, what would you call it?

I wouldn't change a thing.

Any additional comments?

A small gem of a tale.

Spectacular performance of the reading!

Martin Jarvis' performance of the reading is quite stunning. The different voices and characters draw you in and make you forget that it's just one person. Very endearing main character.

Goodbye Mister Chips

I first saw this on television with Robert Donnet - the original Mister Chips - the other versions pale into comparison to this fantastic version. To have this in both audio cd, dvd and soon to have book has made my day. Thank you from the heart.
When I listen to this audio I picture Robert Donnet's Mister Chips and I can picture the school and its masters and boys that have walked the school's grounds. It?s so worth having this.

Please download this fantastic book which is unabridged. Please enjoy. Thanks again audible.

An excellent book to fall to sleep to

I loved the book when I read it as a teenager and very much enjoyed listening to it again. Martin Jarvis has the perfect voice to read this story. An excellent book to fall to sleep to.

A perfect performance that brought a tear to my eye

A truly classic story, read perfectly.

So endearing and moving.

It perfectly captures a forgotten time with true sentimentality.

School memories good

One of the best books written took me back to my school days and the deputy head master of my old school

Most enjoyable

A story I most enjoy listening to again and again. Thank you for the story.

A Little Gem

Martin Jarvis is brilliant as the eccentric and somewhat bemused schoolmaster looking back over a long and eventful career. The book was written in the 1930s and perfectly sums up the mores and attitudes of an age now long passed. As a former teacher in a similar school, it is quite possible to sympathise with the characters, their memories of small incidents which came to regulate their lives and the ambiance of a period of gentility and loyalty. A later book of this genre is Delderfield's 'To Serve them All our Days', a more complex story set after the First World War [and well overdue for an Audible outing]. The script is also short enough to absorb in an afternoon. I cannot recommend this presentation highly enough.

Irritating !music alert

Great little book well read by the indomitable Martin Jarvis. But why the intrusive music?

lovely. never heard a story quite like it.

loved it. Beautifully narrated- Jarvis has a real talent. Tears in my eyes and more than a few belly chuckle moments.