The Ladykillers (1955)

1956 • 90 minutes

About this movie

Called “one of the greatest comedies ever made” by Entertainment Weekly, THE LADYKILLERS showcases Alec Guinness in one of his most unforgettable performances as Professor Marcus, mastermind of a gang of vicious bank robbers who rent a room from an elderly widow. But when the dear old woman begins to meddle in their “perfect crime,” the crooks decide that she might pose the biggest threat of all. Co-starring Peter Sellers in his first major screen role, THE LADYKILLERS remains one of the most ruthlessly black comedies of all time.

Ratings and reviews

OMG, every time this movie was on T.V. my dad and I had to watch it, he was a HUGE Alec Guiness fan. The idea of a gang of criminals posing as a group of classical musicians was/is priceless. An early role of Peter Sellers', when he was still chubby. I love British films, wonderful era '40s-60s, I hope more will become available to stream! Will never forget "the lolly."

I laughed throughout the movie the first time I saw it and I have not been able to find this film since then.

A gem of mid-century British filmmaking.