Here’s a movie I
saw, and I still can’t help laughing after it’s over. I’ve practically told
everyone close to me about the things that happened in this movie, mostly
because I’m still finding it hard to believe the outcome.
I haven’t seen
the 2004 remake of the same name starring Tom Hanks, mostly because of the
reviews it got. But I decided to watch this 1955 original because I was curious
to see what made it get nominated for an Academy Award for Writing (Original
Screenplay) and win the BAFTA Award for Best British Screenplay.
When it comes to
acting, I have to say Alec Guinness—not Katie Johnson—had my attention. I was
amazed by his character, especially the switch from a seemingly understanding
individual to a full-blooded thief. The transition was thrilling and, in a way,
even horrific. That might not have been the director’s plan, but it’s what I
noticed.
The movie is a
black comedy where tragic turns happen to be the most amusing aspect. Based on
the popular idea that there’s no such thing as a foolproof plan, The
Ladykillers is about five thieves trying to get away with stolen money but
being hindered by a naïve, sweet, and eccentric old widow.
The movie’s plot
starts by introducing this sweet widow, Mrs. Wilberforce (Katie Johnson), as
someone you’ll want to root for. She’s seen taking the police on regular wild
goose chases. We then meet the other main characters—a bunch of crooks led by
Professor Marcus (Alec Guinness)—who decide to use Mrs. Wilberforce’s naïve
nature to commit what they think will be the perfect robbery. Their plan is:
- Commit an armed robbery.
- Stash the money in Mrs. Wilberforce’s trunk.
- Have her move the trunk from the crime scene to her
house, where they’ll be waiting.
Everything goes
as smoothly as it can (with enough bumps, I might add), but it all falls apart
when one of the crooks accidentally lets Mrs. Wilberforce see the stolen money.
After the incident, the group is left to figure out how to salvage the situation
and get away with their loot.
The thing about
this movie is that it does not try to take itself seriously at all, it may take
a while to get into the plot and characters, but when you do, you will enjoy
it.
This movie is funny, and while I wouldn’t recommend it as a family movie, it’s perfect for a Sunday matinee.
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