The Lavender Hill Mob
[
Henry Holland is reading aloud to the elderly Mrs. Chalk from a book titled YOU'D LOOK SWELL IN A SHROUD]
Henry Holland: Where did we get?
Mrs. Chalk: Duke Milligan was about to take a gander at Mickey the Greek's hideout.
Henry Holland: Oh yes, here we are. "I handed my fedora to a hatcheck girl with all that Venus de Milo had got and then more, and I was admiring the more when I glimpsed something in the back of this frail that set my underwear creeping up on me like it had legs."
Mrs. Chalk: I know that feeling well.
I do feel I kind of throw this little statement out, quite often. And while I would prefer NOT to, it is an apt description. This IS a rather charming film.
Not simply due to Sir Alec, which, yes, he is quite that. It also goes to the rest of the ensemble, the dry British wit and polite dialogue between everyone.Even when agitated. There still remains a semblance of courteousness that permeates the film that is, well. . .
It's f@ckin charming, alright?
It's a great little story with the opening scene tying quite nicely to the closing scene and moves along quite lovely throughout. With the introduction of Alec Guinness' Henry Holland, a precise, meticulous officer of the bank that oversees the reoccurring transfer via van of gold bars.
Mr. Holland has been calculating the possibility of theft while awaiting the actual means to do it. Which arrives in the form of a new neighbor at his boarding house.
I really enjoyed the two thieves they procure to assist them. Especially the initial conversation in the warehouse as the two thieves start talking shop with one another.
While I did not break out in laughter, I did find quite a number of scenes quite amusing. The above scene, the failed attempts at teaching one of them to ride a bike.
Holland insisting on getting tied up after the van is nicked, only to go a stumbling outside, onto the dock and off the pier. In front of police.
Enjoyed the chase with the police, as well. Especially when the huge mob of them were trying to make their way through the back area of the museum (?).
Definitely a fun, and, screw it, I'm gonna say it again, quite the charming bit of film.