Probably the zenith of the Ealing comedies, The Lavender Hill Mob has certainly never been surpassed for sheer inventive merriment. Alec Guinness stars as the mild-mannered bank employee who, after 20 years of faithful service, blithely decides to steal one million pounds worth of gold bullion. He enlists Stanley Holloway, a paperweight manufacturer and a bit of a sculptor, and together they plan the perfect robbery. Both actors are matched by a wonderful cast which includes Sid James and Alfie Bass as the professional crooks of the gang, and a very young Audrey Hepburn in her first screen role.
U.K., 1951. Black and white, 78 min.