@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
Five oddball criminals planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians.
Quick Stats
7.3
TMDB Rating
558
Votes
1h 31m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorAlexander Mackendrick
WriterWilliam Rose
CinematographyOtto Heller
ComposerDock Mathieson
EditorJack Harris
Production DesignJim Morahan
Produced by
Ealing StudiosMichael Balcon Productions
Where to Watch
Free
KanopySee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Alec Guinness
Professor Marcus
Cecil Parker
Claude, alias 'Major Courtney'
Herbert Lom
Louis, alias 'Mr. Harvey'
Peter Sellers
Harry, alias 'Mr. Robinson'
Danny Green
'One-Round', alias 'Mr. Lawson'
Katie Johnson
Mrs. Wilberforce
Jack Warner
The Superintendent
P
Philip Stainton
The Sergeant
Frankie Howerd
The Barrow Boy
M
Madge Brindley
Large Lady (uncredited)
H
Hélène Burls
Hypatia (uncredited)
Kenneth Connor
Cab Driver (uncredited)
M
Michael Corcoran
Burglar (uncredited)
Harold Goodwin
Parcels Clerk (uncredited)
Fred Griffiths
Junk Man (uncredited)
