Watch The Cracksman

The Cracksman is a 1963 British crime-comedy film directed by Peter Graham Scott, starring Charlie Drake, George Sanders, and Dennis Price. Set in the seedy underbelly of London's criminal world, the film follows the exploits of a bumbling thief named "Pearly Gates" (Drake) and his attempts to pull off the heist of a lifetime. The film opens with Pearly being released from prison, ready to start a new life of honest work. However, his resolve is quickly tested when he is approached by a fellow ex-con named "Spider" (Bernard Cribbins) with an offer he can't refuse. Spider has inside information about a wealthy aristocrat named Sir John (George Sanders) who keeps a valuable diamond necklace in his home safe.

Pearly is hesitant at first, but is quickly seduced by the prospect of easy money. He enlists the help of his old accomplices, including the suave and debonair "The Duke" (Dennis Price), to plan and execute the perfect heist. However, Pearly's incompetence and bad luck continually hamper their efforts, leading to several hilarious mishaps and close calls.

Complicating matters further is Pearly's infatuation with Sir John's beautiful daughter (Nyree Dawn Porter), who becomes suspicious of his intentions. Unbeknownst to Pearly, she is also working with the police to set a trap for the thieves. The tension builds as Pearly and his gang attempt to crack the safe and escape with the jewels while evading the police and Sir John's daughter.

One of the standout performances in the film is provided by George Sanders as Sir John, the eccentric and flamboyant aristocrat. Sanders is a master of understated humor and his performance as the slightly unhinged Sir John adds a touch of class to the otherwise slapstick comedy. Charlie Drake's portrayal of Pearly Gates is also noteworthy, as he brings a hapless charm to the bumbling thief, making him a likable and sympathetic character despite his criminal tendencies.

The Cracksman is a well-crafted and entertaining crime-comedy that provides a glimpse into the seedy underworld of 1960s London. With its mix of humor, suspense, and romance, it is a film that can be enjoyed by fans of both genres. While it may not have the flashy action and special effects of modern-day heist films, it more than makes up for it with its clever writing, witty dialogue, and charming performances.