They don't make mobs like this anymore

The Lavender Hill mob is yet another charming black and white comedy from the British, Ealing Studios. This film happens to be my Husband's favourite from this period and this studio. For me, although it is not my favourite, the Lavender Hill Mob certainly has much appeal.

Alec Guinness plays a typical ,gentlemanly, bank clerk of the 1950's, called Henry Holland. He appears to be shy, retiring and very much a job's worth. However behind his fastidious character lies a potential master thief, just biding his time. With a plan in mind, which has been hatching over many years, he just needs to find a means of moving the gold bullion, which he would have from such a robbery, without arising suspicion. When a new lodger moves into Henry's digs all the pieces of the plan begin to fall into place. With Mr Pendlebury the lodger and a couple of accomplices the Lavender Hill Mob is formed. Lavender Hill being a street in London. The affable Pendelbury is played perfectly by Stanley Holloway and the gang includes Alfie Bass and Sid James. I think all of these actors are now late greats but that is inevitable with the passing of time.

When the robbery is committed there are all the necessary errors and problems needed to develop a good plot. This film is funny in a gentle way and very much depicts the time and London in the early 1950's. The players are all cast well and fit their roles nicely. The good over bad twist is unexpected but typical of films from this period.

When the film was released in 1951 it was quite special. It won various awards such as:
The Academy Award for Best Writing, Story and Screenplay
Alec Guinness was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role
The Film won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film.
The Lavender Hill Mob was written by T E B Clarke and was directed by Charles Crichton. I found it interesting to discover that this is the same Charles Crichton responsible for directing A Fish Called Wanda. He certainly must have had a great career to span such a timescale and variety of film.
A young Audrey Hepburn, Robert Shaw (of Jaws fame) and Desmond Llewellyn all had small roles in this film.

Watching today ,with all the films that have followed these early comedies ,it is easy for the viewer to dismiss them. However that is only because so many films since have taken elements from them. Overall, if you accept them for what they are, they provide a good entertaining experience with a glimpse into a bygone era thrown in for good measure.

Most of these films can be picked up cheaply on DVD and make a perfect gift. From time to time this film, along with the other Ealing comedies does the television rounds. As a film that is more than 50 years old that cannot be bad going.

Watch this film if you like or fancy a period comedy with great actors, some funny scenes, no violence as such, nothing offensive and a film that is easy to watch. My favourite funny scenes include Henry Holland attacking himself, the race down the Eiffel Tower and the silly schoolgirls. I have tried to give little away there and hopefully have not spoiled the plot generally with this review..

Do not let the black and white deter you from watching this film, as it adds to the period and full glorious colour would not be right somehow.

A film worthy of the description of, A Classic.Loved it!

Running Time 81 minutes
Cast :
Alec Guinness
Stanley Holloway
Sid James
Alfie Bass
Marjorie Fielding
Edie Martin
John Salew
Ronald Adam
Arthur Hambling
Gibb McLaughlin
Robert Shaw
Audrey Hepburn

Thanks for reading
Copyright Eiley 2007