The Ladykillers (1955) Review in 2025
A group of bumbling thieves rent a room in a sweet old lady's house, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but some scenes may be too intense for younger children.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of comedy and crime films. It's a classic that holds up well today, and its clever premise and excellent performances make it a joy to watch.
Spoiler Alert!
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The group of thieves, led by Professor Marcus, plan to dig a tunnel to a nearby bank vault. However, their plan is foiled when they accidentally dig under the lady's house, causing chaos and destruction.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is clever and engaging, with a unique premise that is expertly executed. The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of humor and tension.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Alec Guinness delivering a standout performance as Professor Marcus. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Katina Paxinou and Sid James providing plenty of comedic relief.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and memorable, with Alec Guinness delivering a standout performance as Professor Marcus. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Katina Paxinou and Sid James providing plenty of comedic relief.
direction9.00/10
The direction is top-notch, with Alexander Mackendrick bringing a keen eye for detail and a sense of style to the film. The cinematography is also excellent, with a great use of lighting and composition.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is outstanding, with a great use of lighting and composition. The black-and-white photography is also excellent, with a great sense of texture and depth.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Ladykillers is a clever and engaging comedy with a unique premise and excellent performances. The direction and cinematography are also top-notch, making this a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Cons
Some scenes may be too intense for younger children, and the pacing can be a bit slow at times.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a lady, I'm a ladykiller."
"I'm not a thief, I'm a collector."
"You're a bit of a handful, aren't you?"
