Celebrating 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, seemingly a classical musician and academic, who 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), punch-drunk 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 delivers a classic British caper that beautifully captures London’s decaying Victorian splendour, with sweetness and comic horror in equal measure.