The Ladykillers (1955) – A Classic British Comedy

Given the upcoming release of “The LadyKillers” starring Tom Hanks, it recently came to my attention that this is not an original movie. Surprise, Surprise (read sarcastically). When I looked into the original version and learned this is actually a British classic, I had to rent it. Not only a fan of British comedy, I actually enjoy critiquing remakes in comparison to their originals.

A Little About The Plot

I don’t like giving away to many plot points. Especially with this movie, you’d miss half the fun. So here’s the a nice summary from Netlix that gives the basics without ruining the whole story:

Professor Marcus (Alec Guinness) is the leader of a crime ring planning a heist. His confederates, blowhard Major Courtney (Cecil Parker), suave Louis (Herbert Lom), chubby Harry (Peter Sellers) and muscleman One-Round (Danny Green), dodge their landlady's constant interruptions. The hoods hit upon the idea to use her in the daring daylight robbery, but she discovers the truth … it may be the end of her!

But you’ll have to take my word for it…There is SO much more going on in this movie. This really isn’t your typical “bumbling crooks” movie. Katie Johnson plays the little old lady, Mrs. Wilberforce. She actually steals the show in my opinion. She is so sweet and innocent that you can believe this farcical dark comedy could actually have happened.

OK, Why Else Should You See This Film?

Good question. Honestly, this movie is probably one taught in Film Directing 101, or Screenwriting 101, or Black Comedy 101. If not, they should. Written by William Rose (“Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, “It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World”) and directed by Alexander Mackendrick (“The Defenders” TV series), this gem gets A pluses all around.

The screenplay of “The Ladykillers” (1955) is brilliant. Your interest will be piqued in the first minute of watching. And while it’s not an edge-of-your-seat movie, attention is held throughout. The viewer is left guessing at every turn of events “what could possible happen next”. And without giving it away, the ending delivers. This comes from someone who thinks she’s seen or read it all.

“The Ladykillers” is a very rich comedy. By this I basically mean it doesn’t rely on just one or two comedy shticks. There is a nice balance of prat-falls, sight gags, one-liners, and that dry humor the Brits are so famous for. And of course there’s a lot of dark humor. You know, the stuff that we really shouldn’t laugh at, but you just can’t help yourself.

Naturally, Guinness and Sellers (a very young Sellers, mind you) don’t disappoint. But what’s really nice is that the entire cast is truly equal in their performances in my mind. Yes, I said earlier that Johnson steals the show. And she does, but it’s actually as much to do with the writing as her skill.

As a novice, I’d also like to mention the cinematography. Admittedly I don’t know much about this work or technology. But “The Ladykillers” is one where even an idiot like me can see where certain shots, angles, shadows, colors etc truly enhance the film. Much in the same way cinematography is important to Hitchcock film, it really supports the story in “The Ladykillers”.

For family-movie-viewers, “The Ladykillers” may be a good, off-beat choice for kids over 13. I hesitate suggesting it for younger viewers only due to the plot’s dark subject. It is not rated – “NR” – since it was released in 1955. But there is no blood-shed, no swearing, no sex, no fighting, and only suggestions of violence. You never actually see the violence. How many movies can we say this about these days?

Extras?

I rented “The Ladykillers” on DVD. Unfortunately, like most older films, there’s not much by way of extras on the DVD. “The Ladykillers” extras are comprised only by the trailer, languages (English or French), Chapter Sellection, and an Alec Guiness Bio. Guinness’s Bio, by the way, is about 35 screens long! The movie was in widescreen, however. So I was happy about that.

En Fin

In conclusion, I was not only extremely entertained by “The Ladykillers”, but I’m still looking forward to the new release. An American twist of a British dark comedy should be interesting. And with the Coen brothers directing, “The Ladykillers” (2004) should be very twisted indeed.