While those looking for a rather typical 50s British comedy will not be disappointed, this film also offers some more biting social commentary than usual. An ensemble cast plays out a zany caper story about a creepy amoral grifter (Dennis Price) and a group of assorted loonies who try in various ways to undermine his attempts to blackmail them. It's not dis-similar from other excellent comedies of the era such as "Lavender Hill Mob" and "Kind Hearts and Coronets", but this film from the "Rank Organization" lacks the dry quality of the Ealing Films. Also there is no presence as compelling as Guinness' in the best Ealings. Peter Sellers, second-billed below Terry Thomas (who, as usual, has perhaps one too many scene with certainly one too many eye roll), of course tries his best to steal the film and every scene in it, and Peggy Mount is very funny as a mystery writer intent on acting out her own story. But none of the characters are given the chance to really center the film, and as a result it comes off with less heart than the very best films of this type.
Sellers plays a kind of corrupt game show host, in danger of being exposed as a slumlord to the very elderly audience who adore him. I thought that was a nice, if obvious, bit of social statement. Neither Sellers nor any of the other people being blackmailed is a lily-white innocent, so you wonder as you watch it whether Price's character will get his comeuppance or not. That gives it more suspense than some comedy, but not really enough to make it compelling. Still, it's a quality film with good contributions from everybody.
Sellers plays a kind of corrupt game show host, in danger of being exposed as a slumlord to the very elderly audience who adore him. I thought that was a nice, if obvious, bit of social statement. Neither Sellers nor any of the other people being blackmailed is a lily-white innocent, so you wonder as you watch it whether Price's character will get his comeuppance or not. That gives it more suspense than some comedy, but not really enough to make it compelling. Still, it's a quality film with good contributions from everybody.