The Lavender Hill Mob (VHS, 1994)

When reviewing certain films here, I find that I want to rate some with triple X's, because they are nearly, if not, perfect. Consider this one rated as such.

Sir Alec Guinness delivers an Oscar nominated performance of T.E.B. Clarke's lead character in his Oscar-winning script. Guinness immortalizes Mr. Henry Holland, a relatively shy & meticulous man, who dreams of retiring wealthy. For the past 20 years, Mr. Holland has faithfully served the Bank Of England as a bank transfer agent who's responsible for the safe delivery of gold bullion. His trustworthiness is unquestionable.

After becoming a friend of Alfred Pendlebury (Stanley Holloway), a souvenir-maker, something in his shop catches Mr. Holland's attention. Holland notices that Pendlebury's souvenir smelting equipment could be used to forge gold. More specifically, the gold bullion Holland handles daily could be cast into innocent-looking Eiffel Tower toy souvenirs! Who'd notice the difference between the painted metal ones & the gold ones? As he completes his fantastical thought, Holland remarks to Pendlebury that the gold casts made to look like souvenirs could easily pass as toys & be smuggled from England to France!

Shortly thereafter, Holland & Pendlebury circulate a story to flush out career criminals who can render professional services to them. Lackery (Sid James) & Shorty Fisher (Alfie Bass) turn up with interest. Although everyone agrees that 'Dutch' Holland is the man in charge, these 4 men plan to carry out his original gold forging & smuggling scheme, as the Lavender Hill Mob. As they do, hilarious, unpredictable, madcap twists & turns crop up.

Charles Crichton directs a masterpiece of a hysterically funny crime comedy that ranks as an all time classic. This VHS is distributed by Republic Pictures. It's runtime is (only) 77 minutes & it's in B&W. It's from the "British Sterling Collection," & collectible when in mint condition~