A classic black comedy from the famous Ealing studios.
When a gang of thieves decide to take lodgings in the home of an ageing spinster whilst they plan their next ‘job’ (a security van robbery at Kings Cross), they get more than they could ever have dreamt of in the form of Octagarian Mrs Louisa Wilberforce (Katie Johnson).
Led by Professor Marcus (Alec Guinness), the gang pretend to be an amateur string quartet musical group renting the room space for practice, thus also carrying empty musical instrument cases everywhere with them to maintain the deception.
After the robbery has been achieved, the game is given away when One-Round (Danny Green) accidently gets his cello case full of money trapped in the doorway as they are leaving the house. He attempts to pull it free only for the bank notes to fall all over the porch. Mrs Wilberforce realises the truth and informs Marcus that she intends to report them to the police. The gang realise that she must therefore be eliminated, and this is where the fun really begins…
Being such a kindly old lady, no one wants to do the dirty deed and the gang end up drawing matches. The Major (Cecil Parker) loses but attempts to make a run with the stash. Bickering and fighting breaks out amongst the gang whilst Mrs Wilberforce peacefully sleeps through it all.
The result being that the criminals end up killing each other, which they have no qualms about, but find it impossible to kill a sweet old lady. The final twist to the tale is heart warming and a joy to watch in the best British Comedy tradition…
Brimming with classic scenes and excellent performances from all involved, the Ladykillers remains one of Ealing’s finest comedies and is worthy of several viewings just to appreciate the intricate weavings of the BAFTA award winning script by William Rose.
Available to take home today in the ground floor of the library and shelved at 791.4372 LAD.
Q. Which famous British Comedian has a cameo role as fruit seller?
Written by Martin Osborne
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