Too Many Crooks

Too Many Crooks is an English comedy movie that hit the cinema screens in 1959. The star-studded lineup boasts of a bunch of talented actors, including Terry-Thomas, George Cole, and Brenda de Banzie, who masterfully embody their farcical characters. The film was directed by Mario Zampi, whose affinity for comedy and flair for directing shines through in this film, while the side-splitting script was penned by Michael Pertwee, a renowned English playwright.

The plot revolves around the antics of a wildly inept gang of crooks who, somewhat unwillingly, find themselves entangled in a comedic series of events that’s bound to leave viewers in splits. The lead character depicted by Terry-Thomas is a firm believer in the idiom, “Every man has his price”. He plays a rich and somewhat crooked businessman named William Dela Botibol, who has a penchant for evading taxes, making him a prime target for the affable band of crooks.

George Cole, who was a regular feature in British comedy films, plays Fingers, the leader of this ragtag group. The gang also includes Brenda de Banzie who embodies her character, Lucy, with effortless wit and charm. Fingers and Lucy, along with their incompetent crew, devise a well-intentioned, albeit clumsy, plan to blackmail Botibol. Their objective is simple — to get their hands on some of Botibol's off-the-books wealth and at the same time ensure he remains tight-lipped about it.

However, things take an unexpected turn when their amateurish kidnap plan goes awry. Instead of nabbing Botibol, they end up kidnapping his wife, hilariously played by Brenda De Banzie, setting in motion a comic frenzy of misadventures. From here, the plot thickens, the gags multiply, and the characters get wrapped up in their farcical antics.

Terry-Thomas excels in his role as Botibol, striking a perfect balance between suave sophistication and an unlikable disposition. His reaction to his wife being kidnapped, or rather his distinct lack of reaction, is comedic gold and showcases his seamless delivery of both subtle and overt humor. He truly shines as the film's comedic anchor, be it through his witty repartees, slapstick humor, or underplayed charm.

Brenda de Banzie as Botibol's wife is a tour de force herself. She provides some of the film's most hilarious moments, with her character's obliviousness to the actuality of her situation amplifying the comedy. The uneasy alliance she forms with her kidnappers adds another layer to the story, adding elements of situational comedy and witty banter.

George Cole as Fingers, flanked by his gang of hapless goons, holds his own against the leading stars. His portrayal of a bumbling crook whose well-laid plans often fall into disarray adds to the film's overall goofiness and charm. His interactions with other gang members involving their failed attempts to grasp the nuances of their plans make for delightful viewing.

The supporting cast, including Sidney James, Bernard Cribbins, and Vera Pearce, are equally adept, each adding their unique flavor to the comic brew. Their on-screen camaraderie paired with individual comedic timing makes for an excellent ensemble cast and contributes significantly to the laugh-out-loud moments in the film.

Too Many Crooks combines elements of farce and satire to paint a wholehearted picture of British comedy in the 1950s. The movie makes great use of visual and slapstick humor, married with witty dialogues and comedic situations that never fail to entertain.

The director, Mario Zampi, ensures the narrative gallops along without losing any of its frantic energy or comedy quotient. The film is further elevated by Stanley Black's robust musical score and the cinematography of Gilbert Taylor that beautifully captures the 1950s British ambiance.

In summary, Too Many Crooks is an entertaining comedic ride, with an engaging plot and memorable performances. Its blend of light-hearted fun, lovable characters, and deftly woven humor is a testament to the joyful absurdity of films from the Golden Age of British comedy. It's a must-watch film for fans of classic comedy, and indeed, all film enthusiasts who appreciate the timeless charm of black and white cinema.