British comedy by the director best known for the four Miss Maple movies starring Margaret Rutherford. Terry Thomas is a clumsy detective who's been called to a health club to investigate the strange things going on. When he gets there he finds it be very difficult handling all the clues he thinks point him in the right direction. Police Inspector Lionel Jeffries regards Thomas as being the strange thing going on. Lovely Movie.
13 Reviews
Plain and simple good fun
Boba_Fett113831 May 2007
This is a rather enjoyable little early British comedy. Amazing to see how actually little British comedy changed over the decades. This movie is in the same trend as for instance the Pink Panther movies (although obviously less brilliant) and gives a fun take on the murder-mystery genre. A genre director George Pollock knew really well since he directed many Agatha Christie novel movies, including the four earliest Miss Jane Marple movies, starring Margaret Rutherford.
The movie is nothing too fancy and its kept very simple, with its story and characters. It's also obviously fairly low-budget all. But lets face it, the murder-mystery movies from the '60's themselves also weren't that much special in terms of originality and re-playability. In that regard this movie is a fitting one, that takes on all the typical genre clichés, without ever really becoming original on itself, though the movie does a good job at keeping it a secret who the killer is, right till the end.
The setting of the movie is a comical fun one; a health clinic but its potential isn't used to the max in this movie. There are too few references reminding us of the fact that this movie is set in a health clinic. I mean were are the mud-baths, the face-masks, cold-water baths, disgusting food, etcetera. I remember a "Dalziel and Pascoe" episode that used this in a far more effective comical way and "Dalziel and Pascoe" isn't even a comedy-series but a serious' English detective-series. So I felt that it was a bit of a missed opportunity, to make the movie effectively more fun and comical-like.
The actors aren't much special but they known how to handle the comedy-genre well. It also provides the movie with some fun comical characters, without overly trying to be funny. Such as Det. Insp. Hook (Lionel Jeffries) but also the main character played by Terry-Thomas is a good and fun one, that knows to carry the movie effectively.
A good fun movie. I mean, there basically is no way you wont enjoy watching this movie.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The movie is nothing too fancy and its kept very simple, with its story and characters. It's also obviously fairly low-budget all. But lets face it, the murder-mystery movies from the '60's themselves also weren't that much special in terms of originality and re-playability. In that regard this movie is a fitting one, that takes on all the typical genre clichés, without ever really becoming original on itself, though the movie does a good job at keeping it a secret who the killer is, right till the end.
The setting of the movie is a comical fun one; a health clinic but its potential isn't used to the max in this movie. There are too few references reminding us of the fact that this movie is set in a health clinic. I mean were are the mud-baths, the face-masks, cold-water baths, disgusting food, etcetera. I remember a "Dalziel and Pascoe" episode that used this in a far more effective comical way and "Dalziel and Pascoe" isn't even a comedy-series but a serious' English detective-series. So I felt that it was a bit of a missed opportunity, to make the movie effectively more fun and comical-like.
The actors aren't much special but they known how to handle the comedy-genre well. It also provides the movie with some fun comical characters, without overly trying to be funny. Such as Det. Insp. Hook (Lionel Jeffries) but also the main character played by Terry-Thomas is a good and fun one, that knows to carry the movie effectively.
A good fun movie. I mean, there basically is no way you wont enjoy watching this movie.
6/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
It should have been a Classic
richard-meredith2720 March 2005
Kill or Cure ticks all the boxes to make it a 'must see British Film', until I switch off the Video and decide whether I want to erase the tape or not. Frankly, it doesn't work. And it should. And that is the most infuriating thing about this film. Look at the cast and plot: Terry Thomas is a private eye investigating a murder mystery at a health club/hotel (run by Dennis Price). He teems up with an obsessive physical fitness organiser, played by Eric Sykes at the height of his filmed career. In the best British Murder Mystery Genre, they try and bring the murderer to book ahead of Lionel Jeffries' neurotic Policeman. The murderer is uncovered, there is a lovely twist at the end, but I was left with a nagging 'could do better' feeling.
It lacked that vital something. The film was well cast; it was well plotted; decently filmed; enthusiastically acted, but even lacks the charm and appeal of the Agatha Christie Films made at the same time.
It lacked that vital something. The film was well cast; it was well plotted; decently filmed; enthusiastically acted, but even lacks the charm and appeal of the Agatha Christie Films made at the same time.
Solid British farce
spanishflea507 May 2002
I wouldn't say this is an excellant film but it is a solid British comedy and a perfect example of a now extinct genre. Terry Thomas is a wonderful British stereotype with some funny dialogue and a wonderful accent. The sound track is also mildly effective in a cheesy sort of way. This film has a lot to reccomend it but it is also a very standard example of the 1950/60's British comedy genre
Running around at the healthy Green Glades hotel
SimonJack28 June 2022
"Kill or Cure" is a humorous British comedy mystery that has Terry-Thomas and Eric Sykes sleuthing one another. It all starts when private detective, Capt. J. Barker Rynde (Thomas) gets a call from a society dowager, Mrs. Margaret Clifford. She wants him to look into some strange goings-on at the exclusive place she is staying. It's the Green Glades health hotel, and Captain Rynde is to check in there as a guest. She will contact him after he arrives. But after he does and gets the first note, Mrs. Clifford is then found dead. That's one strike against the health hotel's slogan, "We help nature help you."
So, Rynde must investigate, but he also has to go through the physical routine of exercise, body detoxing, special diet, training, etc. That the hotel has. Naturally, this all goes against his lifestyle and tastes, but what can he do but stay under cover to solve the crime? His personal consultant and overseer is Mr. Rumbelow (Sykes), who also is his nemesis and partner in some of the comedy. Well, when a 10,000 pound reward is offered for a clue that leads to apprehending the killer, Sykes wants to start investigating himself. He doesn't know that Rynde is a detective on the case and suspects him for his prowling around. And Rynde sees Rumbelow's behavior and suspect him.
Enter Lionel Jeffries as Detective Inspector Hook, and the recipe for a first-rate comedy is complete. Some others contribute to it as well - Dennis Price as Dr. Julian Crossley, and Ronnie Barker as Inspector Hook's assistant. The film begins with some humorous dialog, but after that it is mostly in antics and the health treatments that Rynde goes through. Toward the end, the humor picks up again when Rynde and Rumbelow join forces to solve the crime and Inspector Hook takes the brunt of some of their miscues.
Rynde's accommodations are hilarious - he's put in a one-room open-air hut with a folding wall that regulations allow him to close only at night. This isn't among the top comedies for Thomas, Sykes or any others. But, it's still funny and entertaining, with a very good twist at the end.
Here are some favorite lines form this British MGM film.
J. Barker Rynde, on seeing hotel guests lounging in bath robes and night clothes when checking in, "Very informal atmosphere you have here." Johnson, Green Glades desk clerk, "Oh, we don't stand on ceremony here."
Frances Roitman, when J. Barker Rynde orders the same drink as hers from the bartender, "Were you expecting something a little more palatable?" Rynde, "Why, yes. Why, I mean .." Miss Roitman, "It's awful, isn't it? I'm afraid this is one health clinic that doesn't pull its punches."
Miss Roitman, "I don't think he quite knows what he's got himself in for." Bartender, "They never do, miss."
Rumbelow, "Your age?" Rynde, "My age?" Rumbelow, "Oh, come on. We're not going to be feminine about this, are we?" Rynde, "Oh, well, bound down 32." Rumbelow, "Well, that disposes of your age, or some of it."
Rumbelow, "Profession?" Rynde, "Um, bird watcher." Rumbelow, "Really?"
Rumbelow, "Married?" Rynde, "No." Rumbelow, "Why not?" Rynde, "Did you marry?" Rumbelow, "No." Rynde, "Why not?"
Rumbelow, "Mr. Rynde, I'm asking the questions. Are you single by choice?" Rynde, "Oh, indubitably. My profession has somewhat prejudiced me against wedding bells." Rumbelow, writing on the form, "A misogynistic ornithologist." Rynde, "Whaaat?"
Rumbelow, "Put out your tongue." Rynde, "Huh?" Rumbelow, "Tongue... oooh, nasty! Eyes? Tch, tch, tch. Good heavens, I don't know how you can see out of them."
Rynde, when Rumbelow twists his head, "Aaaah!" Rumbelow, "You got as much stiffness as rigor mortis. You've come to us just in time, Mr. Rynde. We ae the handmaidens of mother nature. We'll soon have you in working order. I'll put you down for the lot, I think."
Rumbelow, "Don't look so alarmed, Mr. Rynde. We've had worse cases and pulled 'em through. We are going to take your poor abused body and wring it out and start all over again." "Rynde, "You're not, you know." Rumbelow, "Mr. Rynde..." Rynde, "Captain, and I like my body the way it is."
Rumbelow, "That's better. A moment of panic on the brink, as it were. We get that."
Rumbelow, "I've got you down on my form as a misogynist." Rynde mumbles and says, "What is that?" Rumbelow, "You hate women." Rynde, "Well, I hate getting up in the morning, but I'm not bed-ridden."
Rita, Green Glades nurse, "Listen, you take one step nearer and I'll do gardening in that gap of yours."
Inspector Hook, "Used to call this the gallows oak, you know. Used it for hangings." Frances Roitman, "Uh, no, I didn't know." Hook, "Yeah, good old days."
Rynde, "I'm a duck. A sitting duck."
So, Rynde must investigate, but he also has to go through the physical routine of exercise, body detoxing, special diet, training, etc. That the hotel has. Naturally, this all goes against his lifestyle and tastes, but what can he do but stay under cover to solve the crime? His personal consultant and overseer is Mr. Rumbelow (Sykes), who also is his nemesis and partner in some of the comedy. Well, when a 10,000 pound reward is offered for a clue that leads to apprehending the killer, Sykes wants to start investigating himself. He doesn't know that Rynde is a detective on the case and suspects him for his prowling around. And Rynde sees Rumbelow's behavior and suspect him.
Enter Lionel Jeffries as Detective Inspector Hook, and the recipe for a first-rate comedy is complete. Some others contribute to it as well - Dennis Price as Dr. Julian Crossley, and Ronnie Barker as Inspector Hook's assistant. The film begins with some humorous dialog, but after that it is mostly in antics and the health treatments that Rynde goes through. Toward the end, the humor picks up again when Rynde and Rumbelow join forces to solve the crime and Inspector Hook takes the brunt of some of their miscues.
Rynde's accommodations are hilarious - he's put in a one-room open-air hut with a folding wall that regulations allow him to close only at night. This isn't among the top comedies for Thomas, Sykes or any others. But, it's still funny and entertaining, with a very good twist at the end.
Here are some favorite lines form this British MGM film.
J. Barker Rynde, on seeing hotel guests lounging in bath robes and night clothes when checking in, "Very informal atmosphere you have here." Johnson, Green Glades desk clerk, "Oh, we don't stand on ceremony here."
Frances Roitman, when J. Barker Rynde orders the same drink as hers from the bartender, "Were you expecting something a little more palatable?" Rynde, "Why, yes. Why, I mean .." Miss Roitman, "It's awful, isn't it? I'm afraid this is one health clinic that doesn't pull its punches."
Miss Roitman, "I don't think he quite knows what he's got himself in for." Bartender, "They never do, miss."
Rumbelow, "Your age?" Rynde, "My age?" Rumbelow, "Oh, come on. We're not going to be feminine about this, are we?" Rynde, "Oh, well, bound down 32." Rumbelow, "Well, that disposes of your age, or some of it."
Rumbelow, "Profession?" Rynde, "Um, bird watcher." Rumbelow, "Really?"
Rumbelow, "Married?" Rynde, "No." Rumbelow, "Why not?" Rynde, "Did you marry?" Rumbelow, "No." Rynde, "Why not?"
Rumbelow, "Mr. Rynde, I'm asking the questions. Are you single by choice?" Rynde, "Oh, indubitably. My profession has somewhat prejudiced me against wedding bells." Rumbelow, writing on the form, "A misogynistic ornithologist." Rynde, "Whaaat?"
Rumbelow, "Put out your tongue." Rynde, "Huh?" Rumbelow, "Tongue... oooh, nasty! Eyes? Tch, tch, tch. Good heavens, I don't know how you can see out of them."
Rynde, when Rumbelow twists his head, "Aaaah!" Rumbelow, "You got as much stiffness as rigor mortis. You've come to us just in time, Mr. Rynde. We ae the handmaidens of mother nature. We'll soon have you in working order. I'll put you down for the lot, I think."
Rumbelow, "Don't look so alarmed, Mr. Rynde. We've had worse cases and pulled 'em through. We are going to take your poor abused body and wring it out and start all over again." "Rynde, "You're not, you know." Rumbelow, "Mr. Rynde..." Rynde, "Captain, and I like my body the way it is."
Rumbelow, "That's better. A moment of panic on the brink, as it were. We get that."
Rumbelow, "I've got you down on my form as a misogynist." Rynde mumbles and says, "What is that?" Rumbelow, "You hate women." Rynde, "Well, I hate getting up in the morning, but I'm not bed-ridden."
Rita, Green Glades nurse, "Listen, you take one step nearer and I'll do gardening in that gap of yours."
Inspector Hook, "Used to call this the gallows oak, you know. Used it for hangings." Frances Roitman, "Uh, no, I didn't know." Hook, "Yeah, good old days."
Rynde, "I'm a duck. A sitting duck."
kill or cure
mossgrymk19 November 2020
Mildly amusing British comedy. The endless and repetitive riffs on the awfulness of Health Fadism get pretty old pretty quick as do Terry Thomas' facial tics. And you can wait a long time for anyone else in the cast to be funny. Solid C.
A nice British comedy
finercreative7 January 2024
"Kill or Cure" is a nice little British comedy from the 60s. Terry Thomas stars as a (sort of bumbling) private detective, and tries to solve a mysterious murder at a health clinic for a £2000 reward. It gets the job done as a comedy, as most of the jokes hit. The idea for it is good, and though The screenplay isn't amazing, it's still good nonetheless. It has a few other British stars, and each of the cast members act their roles well. It also works well as a mystery, and plays out as a good murder mystery film. Overall, it's a nice, lighthearted comedy. Personally, I liked it and recommend it. 6/10.
pleasant but forgettable
myriamlenys29 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
An incompetent private detective tries to make sense of the criminal events happening in a health spa. After a while he teams up with an equally clueless spa worker, who is a health fanatic of the carrot juice and parsnip porridge variety. Will this not entirely dynamic duo succeed in unmasking a callous killer?
Amusing but unremarkable movie, mainly of interest to die-hard fans of Terry-Thomas, Eric Sykes or both. The cartoons shown during the initial titles are worth their weight in gold. Apart from that, the movie is at its best when describing life within a health spa, complete with misguided fools who do not only take an ice-cold shower at four o'clock in the morning, but actually like that kind of thing. (The various food stuffs on offer are so profoundly unappealing that they could make a Carmelite nun cry.)
For some reason or another, "Kill or cure" thinks that Pekinese dogs are so supremely and unremittingly funny that every scene showing (part of) a Pekinese is a laugh riot. Not a bad word against dogs, let alone against Pekinese dogs - they're delightful little fellows - but it would be wrong to credit them with comedic superpowers.
Amusing but unremarkable movie, mainly of interest to die-hard fans of Terry-Thomas, Eric Sykes or both. The cartoons shown during the initial titles are worth their weight in gold. Apart from that, the movie is at its best when describing life within a health spa, complete with misguided fools who do not only take an ice-cold shower at four o'clock in the morning, but actually like that kind of thing. (The various food stuffs on offer are so profoundly unappealing that they could make a Carmelite nun cry.)
For some reason or another, "Kill or cure" thinks that Pekinese dogs are so supremely and unremittingly funny that every scene showing (part of) a Pekinese is a laugh riot. Not a bad word against dogs, let alone against Pekinese dogs - they're delightful little fellows - but it would be wrong to credit them with comedic superpowers.
A Comedic Curate's Egg
istuart04 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Parts of this film are excellent, the rest (about 50%) are average.
*** Here be a few spoilers ***
The best parts are definitely towards the beginning of the film when Terry-Thomas (a private detective) is asked to keep an eye on someone. His 'hirer' puts him up in what he thinks is a very expensive hotel. But there is something very odd about the place. For a start, everyone in the lounge area is wearing thick dressing gowns. The second is that there is a gale forever blowing through the place. He is then examined by Eric Sykes who declares him almost at death's door even though he is perfectly well. Therefore he needs to go on a strict diet before 'gradually working up to grass salad'! His accommodation is somewhat strange considering how much is being paid for it. Shortly after, something happens to his hirer and the mystery starts which is where the film gets a bit patchy IMHO. But there are still a lot of funny scenes like the various 'treatments' T-T receives and the bother they have with the dogs. The film is also peppered with funny one-liners (especially the reason why the early morning swim has been cancelled) and for that reason it is worth watching. But for a considerably better film that has Terry-Thomas and Denis Price, I do recommend 'School For Scoundrels'. For any Brits' information, I saw it on TCM early this morning.
*** Here be a few spoilers ***
The best parts are definitely towards the beginning of the film when Terry-Thomas (a private detective) is asked to keep an eye on someone. His 'hirer' puts him up in what he thinks is a very expensive hotel. But there is something very odd about the place. For a start, everyone in the lounge area is wearing thick dressing gowns. The second is that there is a gale forever blowing through the place. He is then examined by Eric Sykes who declares him almost at death's door even though he is perfectly well. Therefore he needs to go on a strict diet before 'gradually working up to grass salad'! His accommodation is somewhat strange considering how much is being paid for it. Shortly after, something happens to his hirer and the mystery starts which is where the film gets a bit patchy IMHO. But there are still a lot of funny scenes like the various 'treatments' T-T receives and the bother they have with the dogs. The film is also peppered with funny one-liners (especially the reason why the early morning swim has been cancelled) and for that reason it is worth watching. But for a considerably better film that has Terry-Thomas and Denis Price, I do recommend 'School For Scoundrels'. For any Brits' information, I saw it on TCM early this morning.
comedy thriller which is neither
malcolmgsw19 March 2015
You would think that a film which features Terry Thomas,Lionel Jeffries,Dennis Price and Eric Sykes could not fail.well you would be wrong.Clearly aimed to be a sort of copy of the Miss Marple films even down to the catchy music from Ron Goodwin.Trouble is that its not funny.There is a repeat joke about Lionel Jefferies bumping his head.So he ends up with 4 plasters on his head.Not funny once a bore after that.the mystery is not revealed till the murder explains everything at the end.Any thriller fan worth their salt will have guessed quite easily who is the killer.At 87 minutes this is far too long and slow.Without a decent script you are nowhere.
Delightful British Comedy
Sluffo20 January 2004
Typical silly comedy vehicle for Terry-Thomas/Sykes/Jeffries to show their comedic talents. Even though I last saw it 30+ years ago I still remember it had me in stitches. A shame it is no longer available for viewing either on TV or on VHS/DVD as it was a good example of British comedy in the late 50's early 60's period.
A Great Double Act
a-k-v-boon21 July 2006
Eric Sykes and Terry-Thomas appeared in a number of movies together, after this one. Notably, Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines and Monte Carlo or Bust, but this film made them the focus of the story as opposed to occasional comic turns. Very much along the lines of the Miss Marple movies, this is a funny, witty, well made film which plays to to the comic talents of the stars. Terry-Thomas is outstanding as the seedy PI, employed to detect strange goings-on at a health farm, run by Eric Sykes. Most amusing moments include Thomas trying to check in, ordering an alcoholic drink and realising that his luxury "chalet" only has three walls.
A delightful British mystery-romp
rattlesnakechili28 February 2001
Kill or Cure rates amongst my "Top 10" films. The dialogue is Brit-hilarious, and Terry-Thomas must be one of the funniest men who ever graced a movie screen. The best part, however, for this Peke lover, is that the real star of the film is a Pekingese puppy named Horatio who charmingly plays a pivotal role. Every Peke addict should watch this film. The director did an outstanding job in catching the true Peke personality on film. Horatio is a gorgeous pup with all the Peke "get up and go" toughness that one would expect from a Lion Dog. This film pokes fun at the British police, British class system, British health farms, detectives, and everybody and everything else. It is full of great wit, charm, warmth and intelligence. In short, they don't make movies like this anymore, and the world's much sadder for it!
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