Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.

Writers:

William Rose (story), William Rose (screenplay)
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Alec Guinness ... Professor Marcus
Cecil Parker ... Claude (a.k.a. 'Major Courtney')
Herbert Lom ... Louis (a.k.a. 'Mr. Harvey')
Peter Sellers ... Harry (a.k.a. 'Mr. Robinson')
Danny Green ... One-Round (a.k.a. 'Mr. Lawson')
Jack Warner ... The Superintendent
Katie Johnson ... The Old Lady - Mrs. Wilberforce
Philip Stainton Philip Stainton ... The Sergeant
Frankie Howerd ... The Barrow Boy
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Storyline

A gang planning a 'job' find themselves living with a little old lady, who thinks they are musicians. When the gang set out to kill Mrs Wilberforce, they run into one problem after another, and they get what they deserve. Written by Rob Hartill

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

The most uproarious classic comedy of them all! See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Crime

Certificate:

G | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

As the parrot flies out of the living room and into the hallway, it clearly says "Alec Guinness" as it lands. See more »

Goofs

(at approx. 28 min.) As the crooks are driving off in the getaway car, a policeman starts to chase them along the empty street. The next close-up shot of the policeman shows him looking along the street where a parked van has now appeared, with a trolley on the pavement next to it and a man standing next to the trolley. See more »

Quotes

One-Round: I said nobody was to do her!
[Begins attacking Louis, who beats him continuously over the head with a blackjack. Mrs. Wilberforce comes out of the next room]
Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce: Mr. Harvey!
One-Round: I said - I said nobody was to do Mrs. Lopsided!
Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce: Stop that!
[Louis hits One-Round one last time with the blackjack]
Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce: What *are* you doing?
[Adjusting her hat]
Mrs. Louisa Wilberforce: And who is "Mrs. Lopsided," may I ask? Where is Mr. Robinson?
One-Round: He's, uh, he's outside.
[...]
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Crazy Credits

During the opening credits, roses are shown, to highlight the fact that William Rose wrote the screenplay. See more »


Soundtracks

Silver Threads Among The Gold
(1873)
Music by H.P. Danks
Lyrics by Eben E. Rexford
(played and sung in the parlour of Mrs. Wilberforce's house)
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User Reviews

Available on DVD...
10 June 2004 | by creativesurgeonSee all my reviews

This fantastic film is one of Ealing Studio's finest. Starring Alec Guinness at his finest, this funny, but not slapstick comedy is totally entertaining.

For once, I am happy that my parents encouraged me to watch a film from days gone by. This, along with Fail Safe, and any Cagney film, are marvelous, and this could easily entertain today's kids too.

And now, it IS available from DVD, as part of the Ealing Studios Comedy Collection, it has four titles, all on separate discs, with collectors postcards too. £30 is a small price to pay for this, the Lavender Hill Mob, Kind Hearts & Coronets and The Man In The White Suit (which I found very disappointing).


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 February 1956 (France) See more »

Also Known As:

The Lady Killers See more »

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Box Office

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$9,137
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Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »

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