Watch Only When I Larf

Only When I Larf is a British crime-comedy movie from 1968, directed by Basil Dearden and based on the novel of the same name by Len Deighton. The film tells the story of three con artists, Candy (Richard Attenborough), Johnny (David Hemmings), and Len (Alexandra Stewart), who team up to execute a daring diamond heist. The movie opens with the three main characters introducing themselves in voice-over narration, as they drive through the French countryside. Candy, the leader of the group, is a suave and sophisticated gentleman who dresses impeccably and has a taste for the finer things in life. Johnny is the muscle of the operation, a brash and impulsive young man with a knack for getting in trouble. Len is the brains behind the plan, a cool and collected woman who keeps the group organized and focused.

Their plan involves stealing a priceless diamond from a wealthy businessman, using a variety of disguises and tricks to get past his security. The first part of the movie follows the group as they set up their operation, scouting the location and preparing their equipment. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, such as a nosy French police officer and a rival gang of thieves who are also after the diamond.

Once the heist is underway, the movie becomes a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller, as the group must navigate a maze of traps and alarms to get to the diamond. The tension is heightened by the fact that they only have a limited amount of time to complete the job before the businessman returns and their escape route is cut off.

Despite the danger and the high stakes, the movie never loses its sense of humor. The banter between the three main characters is one of the film's highlights, with each of them getting their own moments to shine. Attenborough, in particular, delivers an excellent performance as Candy, bringing both charm and menace to his role.

The film also benefits from its stylish direction and memorable soundtrack. Dearden uses a variety of dynamic camera angles and editing techniques to keep the audience engaged, and the jazz-infused score by composer John Dankworth perfectly captures the film's playful tone.

Only When I Larf ultimately succeeds as both a crime caper and a comedy, thanks to its talented cast and clever script. The movie may not be as well-known as some of the other heist movies of the era, but it definitely deserves more attention than it has received over the years.

Only When I Larf is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.