How others will see it. The epitome of upper crust dry British humor, the audience readily identifies with scheming up and comer Price as he disposes of his (usually) pompous relatives and inches ever closer to the coveted Dukedom, and its associated estate.
The only people who won't like this film are those who care nothing for classic movies, for whatever reason. You are not among those unfortunate souls, since you have made it to this review.
How I felt about it. The film is a big wink to the audience. The Picture of Dorian Gray is its serious alternative. Both films, along with the varied versions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Jack the Ripper inspired films such as Hangover Square (1945) and The Lodger (1944), all explore the dichotomy between the proper demeanor of a Victorian gentleman, and the often despicable desires that rage deep inside.
Kind Hearts and Coronets stands out not because it is better than these other movies, but because it is a comedy. Price doesn't kill out of madness, passion, or cruelty. He kills because he believes it is in his interest to do so.
The production code of the day, in England as in the United States, ensures that crime doesn't pay. Although it does for most of the film, until Price realizes that while confession is good for the soul, it can and will be used against you in a court of law.
Price is the gentleman with a heart of mold. But of no passing interest is the romantic decision that he must make. Should he choose Sibella, a shrewd, selfish, but amusing manipulator of his own cloth, or Edith, a dull but lovely, wealthy, and steadfast woman. In real life, Price would attempt to both marry Edith and continue his affair with Sibella. In the movies, however, you can't have your cake and eat it too, if you run afoul of the production code. It's more like, you take the cake when it doesn't belong to you, and watch it vanish before your eyes as you try to remove the first piece.