Charles Crichton (director)
Optimum Classic (studio)
Cert U (certificate)
80 min (length)
01 August 2011 (released)
31 July 2011
This 1951 Ealing Comedy classic won an ‘Oscar’ for Best Screenplay and a BAFTA for Best British Film, and deservedly so!
Having faithfully worked for twenty years as a bank transfer agent for the delivery of gold bullion, seemingly shy and unassuming Henry Holland (Alec Guinness) has decided it’s about high time some gold should be transferred to him! In his mind, he deserves an early retirement with all the luxurious trimmings attached.
His cunning plan shouldn’t be much of a problem then, what’s with dear Henry sitting next to a goldmine on a weekly basis. However, one massive hurdle might be how to move the gold once it’s stolen… so for the time being, his plan remains only a plan. Until one day, when an unexpected opportunity comes along in the shape of Pendlebury (Stanley Holloway), a maker of souvenirs. Hollander suggests that with the aid of Pendelbury’s melting equipment, one could turn the stolen gold into toy Eiffel Towers and smuggle them to France. Thanks to the help of professional criminals Lackery (Sid James) and Shortie (Alfie Bass) plans are finally put into action. With the robbery being a success and Scotland Yard barking up the wrong tree, both Holland and Pendelbury travel to Paris to ‘re-claim’ their smuggled treasure. But an Ealing comedy wouldn’t be an Ealing comedy if things would pan out smoothly, and of course they don’t. After a visit to the real Eiffel Tower, the two gentlemen criminals are about to find out that some of the golden miniature towers have accidentally been sold to a group of English schoolgirls during a class outing in Paris. Anxious and desperate to get the gold back, Hollander and Pendlebury chase after the girls before they succeed in getting on the ferry back to England…
It goes without saying that Alec Guinness throws a top-notch performance as wannabe robber Hollander, with his excellent supporting cast high on the heels. Douglas Slocombe’s atmospheric b/w photography, T.E.B. Clarke’s award-winning screenplay and above all Charles Crichton’s skilful directing make The Lavender Hill Mob a timeless classic with many memorable sequences, like the madcap and dizzy chase from the Eiffel Tower staircase.
Optimum release this gem digitally restored with added bonus material such as Introduction by Martin Scorsese, interview with director, restored trailer and more.
In addition, the film is currently shown in selected cinemas across the country – so check your local cinema guide for details.
