THE LADYKILLERS
C
elebrating its 65th anniversary, The Ladykillers is released for the first time in a sublime 4K restoration, showcasing the classic comedy in its full glory with Technicolor.
One of Britain’s most brilliant and versatile actors Sir Alec Guinness plays Professor Marcus, who claiming to be a classical musician and academic, rents a London flat on a cul-de-sac from a sweet octogenarian lady (a BAFTA winning Katie Johnson). He tells her that, from time to time, several other musicians will visit in order to rehearse. In truth, the sinister Professor can't play a note and nor can his visitors: he is a criminal mastermind, holding court over his gang of eccentric thieves, including the likes of punkish Harry (Peter Sellers), the unsmiling, homicidal Louis (Herbert Lom), punchdrunk ex-boxer One-Round (Danny Green) and the cowardly poseur Major Courtney (Cecil Parker). Using the rented flat as headquarters, the gang of seedy social misfits led by Professor Marcus conceive a daring 60,000-pound robbery at King’s Cross St Pancras station.
DIRECTOR
Alexander Mackendrick CAST
Sir Alec Guinness Peter Sellers Cecil Parker 1955 | 91 min | M Comedy, Crime United Kingdom
“This is one of the best of the Ealing comedies.” Empire
Director Alexander Mackendrick delivers a classic British caper that beautifully captures London’s decaying Victorian splendour, with sweetness and comic horror in equal measure. WINNER: Best British Actress, Best British Screenplay, BAFTA Awards 1956 NOMINATED: Best Writing, Best Original Screenplay, Academy Awards 1957
9
