Watch Maid for Murder
- 1962
- 1 hr 28 min
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5.3 (246)
Maid for Murder, a British comedy film made in 1962, is a wacky, zany caper from beginning to end. The film stars Bob Monkhouse as Greg Mason, a struggling writer who can't seem to catch a break, and Alfred Marks as Harry, his best friend and sometimes collaborator. The two men become entangled in a murder plot when they hire a new maid, Mary (played by Millicent Martin), who unwittingly brings some very dangerous baggage with her.
Throughout the course of the film, Greg and Harry become increasingly suspicious of Mary's odd behavior and the strange events that begin to occur after she arrives. They soon discover that she has a criminal past and is involved in a plot to steal a valuable painting from one of their wealthy acquaintances. As they try to unravel the threads of the mystery, they find themselves in a series of ridiculous situations that are full of slapstick hijinks and witty banter.
One of the highlights of Maid for Murder is the performance of Hattie Jacques as Mrs. Doris Morrow, the owner of the house where Greg and Harry are house-sitting. Mrs. Morrow is a fading stage actress who is prone to grand gestures and over-the-top emotions. Her scenes with Monkhouse and Marks are some of the funniest in the film, as she delivers lines with perfect timing and a dry wit that draws laughter from the audience.
The film also features a number of other talented actors in supporting roles. Arthur Mullard plays a bumbling criminal who is hired by Mary to help her steal the painting. Irene Handl is hilarious as Miss Trassick, the secretary of the painting's owner, who is determined to keep an eye on the precious artwork at all times. And Thorley Walters delivers a solid performance as the art collector Sir Horace Wotwottle, who becomes unwittingly embroiled in Mary's scheme.
Director Godfrey Grayson keeps the pacing brisk and the action moving, weaving together the various threads of the plot in a way that keeps the audience guessing. There are a number of twists and turns throughout the film, as well as plenty of sight gags and physical comedy. At its heart, however, Maid for Murder is a lighthearted romp that is meant to be enjoyed for its silly humor and quirky characters.
Overall, Maid for Murder is a fun and entertaining film that will appeal to fans of classic British comedies. It may not be the most sophisticated or highbrow film out there, but it is definitely worth a watch for those who enjoy a good laugh and a bit of light-hearted escapism. With its talented cast and zany plot, it is sure to leave audiences smiling and wanting more.
Maid for Murder is a 1962 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.