The Lavender Hill Mob

There isn’t much more to say about a clutch of Ealing films that have come to define the studio over the years. The likes of Kind Hearts and Coronets, Passport to Pimlico and a dozen or so others and here The Lavender Hill Mob. There is a lot more to say and reassess about the many other films that were produced during that era and haven’t really had the exposure. Hopefully they will at some point.

But we are where we are with The Lavender Hill Mob re-released into cinemas after a 4K restoration with a UHD disc and paraphernalia to follow in April to celebrate its 75 years.

And this is an ideal opportunity to not reassess the film but to watch it in the environment that it was intended and just enjoy it.

Briefly the plot is Henry Holland (Alec Guinness) as an unassuming bank clerk who hatches a plan to steal the gold bullion from the bank that he has been assiduously working for over twenty years. Befriending Pendlebury (Stanley Holloway), a metal smelter, they hatch a plan to melt the gold down to ease the smuggling into France.

Realising they aren’t really criminals they enlist the help of two of the underworlds finest Lackery (Sidney James) and Shorty (Alfie Bass) to help with the operation. Spoilers aren’t an issue with a film was made 75 years ago but still best not say much more.

Other than it has lost none of its sparkle, invention, and wit by respectively director Charles Crichton and writer T.E.B Clarke (whose screenplay won the 1953 Oscar). Everything about the production and acting looks effortless which means it probably wasn’t. It looks as good as it ever will now in 4K.

Apart from seeing this film on a big screen is also provides an opportunity to appreciate early performance by actors away from the baggage of the two or three roles that would later define them and their careers. Or went to, or continued in TV and theatre, or became something of cult figure - look up the photograph of Sid James on a Chopper.

Guinness here is understated though determined as the gentleman thief. Sid James here pre Carry On and Hancock. Though never the most versatile of actors, though he does a terrific turn in Hell Drivers, he created a roguish niche that kept him in full employment. Alfie Bass’s later career meandered concentrating on television while Stanley Holloway, already an established actor at the time, continued to work across TV, film and theatre.

Probably not the tightest of films its nevertheless a fantastic, fantastical caper that allows the audience to escape for a while and wallow in whimsy of a period long gone.

The Lavender Hill Mob will be in cinemas again from 29 March and available on 4K UHD collector’s edition on 22 April 2024.