I was surprised to see this version on TCM today. It was very good, as is the Ingrid Bergman version.
Makes me angry the studio that did the remake wanted all copies of this British original destroyed....typical yanks stealing others ideas and then trying to whitewash history.
The first part of your post was spot on... unfortunately let down by the usual anti-American ranting you're so proud of.
Yeah, if he thinks people see that and it makes him look good, he's more ignorant than the Americans he continually makes fun of and belittles.
Superior to the Hollywood version in every way - IMHO.