The original
"Ladykillers" is a classic comedy...one that has
aged quite gracefully and remains entertaining
to this day.
Starring Sir Alec Guiness in the role of
Professor Marcus, this film is set in London
with pretty much the same storyline as the Coen
Brothers film. The film features the first
substantial performance by Peter Sellers...and
what a fine appearance it is.
This film does a wonderful job of combining dark
humor and classic British comedy. The
similitaries to the 2004 "Tom Hanks" version are
quite obvious down to the toothy grin of the
Professor.
Set design is classic London...costumes feel
appropriate and look wonderful. The music, well,
this is a 1955 film...so, it leaves a lot to be
desired. It's the typical "suspense" music for
films of the era.
Guiness is simply wonderful here, and Sellers a
fine complement. Perhaps my only casting
question would be in the role of the elderly
lady, Mrs. Wilberforce. Katie Johnson plays the
role, and has this high-pitched, whiny voice
that wears thin after awhile. She's quite
irritating here, and while I believe a certain
amount of that is written into the script...some
of it, clearly is not.
Johnson's performance aside, this is a fun
film...and those who've seen the 2004 Coen
Brothers film would do themselves well to catch
this one, as well.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
