Ladies Who Do

Ladies Who Do is a quintessentially British comedy film from the early 1960s, directed by C.M. Pennington-Richards. With a charismatic cast led by Peggy Mount, Robert Morley, and Harry H. Corbett, the film is a delightful romp through the world of opportunism, serendipity, and the battle between the classes that often characterized the British comedies of the era.

The story revolves around the lives of a group of industrious charwomen—cleaning ladies—living in London, with Peggy Mount at the helm as the fearless and no-nonsense Mrs. Cragg. A hardworking and down-to-earth woman, Mrs. Cragg’s life is set on a fascinating and unprecedented course when she stumbles upon the confidential waste paper bins while at one of her cleaning jobs in the offices of a successful city firm.

Through a whimsical turn of events, Mrs. Cragg discovers that these discarded papers contain valuable insider information about the stock market. Realizing the potential in these seemingly innocent pieces of paper, she employs the help of her friends, also cleaning ladies, to capitalize on the information. Without any real understanding of the stock market, they naively begin an adventure in investing, navigating the complexities with a common-sense approach that contrasts humorously with the business world's usual pomp and jargon-filled communications.

Robert Morley plays the role of Colonel Whitforth, a pompous, affluent businessman with distinctive snobbish airs, who inadvertently becomes entangled with the group of ladies after Mrs. Cragg and her crew come into possession of his waste paper. He showcases a comedic range through his character's interactions with the ladies, demonstrating a broad spectrum of British class stereotypes and bringing to light the condescension often directed at the working class.

Harry H. Corbett plays an amiable and slightly disheveled gentleman, James Ryder, who becomes an unsuspected ally to the women. Known for his role as the rag-and-bone man in the popular TV series "Steptoe and Son," Harry H. Corbett brings his everyman charm to the role, serving as a counterbalance to the stiff-upper-lip pinstriped personas within the narrative.

As Mrs. Cragg and her friends continue their joyous and accidental foray into the financial universe, the film expertly weaves together various threads—a humorous look at class distinctions, the biting satire that pokes fun at the loftiness of high finance, and a sense of camaraderie and empowerment among an often-overlooked segment of society. Despite being cleaning ladies, their inherent smarts and wit carry them through situations typically dominated by the educated and wealthy elite.

One of the movie’s strengths is its well-drawn characters that make up the band of cleaning ladies. Each woman has her unique personality and background, adding layers of charm and wit to the proceedings. From naive enthusiasm to cautious skepticism, their diverse personalities add depth to their interactions and the decisions they make regarding their newfound potential for wealth.

Moreover, Ladies Who Do is a film that, while light-hearted and often farcical, subtly comments on the gender roles and social mobility during the 1960s. The film highlights the women's resourcefulness and determination to better their circumstances—a theme that continues to be relevant in discussions about class and gender equality.

The humor in Ladies Who Do is typified by its British sensibilities—dry, understated, and slapstick in turns. The script is peppered with one-liners and comedic situations that emerge from the blunders and misunderstandings inherent in the ladies' attempt to navigate the markets. The laughs come easily and naturally, never forced, and often satirical, providing a kind of fun-spirited escapism that was much needed in the era it was released.

The film’s visuals capture the black-and-white austerity of post-war Britain, in which splashes of colorful characters breathe life into the grey urban backdrop. Set and costume design play a significant role in establishing the social contrasts between the different worlds inhabited by the characters—from the spartan homes of the cleaning ladies to the opulent offices of the city financiers.

Ladies Who Do represents a slice of the past, not just in setting but in its storytelling style and the social issues it lightly critiques. It is a movie that knows its audience well, providing entertainment and wit while delivering a feel-good story that charms with its heart and humorous premise. With strong performances from its lead actors and a well-paced plot, it remains a delightful watch for those who enjoy classic British cinema and the satirical undertones that often accompany it.