Watch The Wrong Arm of the Law

The Wrong Arm of the Law is a 1963 British comedy film directed by Cliff Owen and starring Peter Sellers, Lionel Jeffries, and Bernard Cribbins. It revolves around a gang of international thieves, led by the suave and sophisticated Pearly Gates (Sellers), who has managed to evade the law for years by posing as a wealthy businessman. However, when a new gang of criminals appear on the scene, led by notorious hoodlum Johnny Bannion (Jeffries), Pearly sees an opportunity to turn the tables and use his criminal enterprise to catch the new gang and throw them off their game.

The film is a classic caper movie, full of snappy dialogue, clever scams, and outlandish characters. Peter Sellers, in particular, shines in his role as Pearly Gates, the stylish and charismatic mastermind of the gang. He is the epitome of cool, always dressed in the finest suits and driving vintage cars, but also able to navigate any social situation with ease, whether it's charming a beautiful woman or bluffing his way out of trouble with the police. Lionel Jeffries is also excellent as the hot-headed Johnny Bannion, who is determined to rule the criminal underworld but is constantly outsmarted by Pearly and his gang.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its attention to detail. Throughout the movie, we see the intricate planning that goes into each of Pearly's schemes, as well as the many obstacles that must be overcome. Whether it's tricking the police into thinking they've caught the wrong man, or using a mechanical spider to sneak into a high-security vault, the gang's tactics are always clever and inventive. The film also highlights the importance of loyalty and trust among criminals, as Pearly struggles to maintain control of his gang and keep everyone on the same page.

Despite its criminal subject matter, The Wrong Arm of the Law is a light-hearted comedy at heart. The film's numerous heists and scams are played for laughs, with plenty of slapstick humor and wacky hijinks along the way. At times, the movie can be a bit silly, but it's always entertaining, and the chemistry between the three leads is irresistible. The film also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Bernard Cribbins as Bannion's bumbling sidekick, and Nanette Newman as Pearly's love interest.

The Wrong Arm of the Law is a product of its time, with a groovy sixties aesthetic that is sure to delight fans of retro fashion and design. The film's iconic opening scene, which shows Pearly and his gang dressed in outrageous disguises as they rob a high-end jewelers, is a visual feast, complete with bright colors, intricate props, and funky music. The movie also features a memorable soundtrack, featuring the hit song "We'll Keep a Welcome," which is sung by a group of Welsh miners and provides a poignant counterpoint to the film's lighthearted mayhem.

Overall, The Wrong Arm of the Law is a delightful comedy that showcases the talents of its three lead actors, as well as the skill of its director and screenwriters. The film's clever plot, colorful characters, and groovy style make it a true classic of the caper genre, and a must-see for fans of British comedy. Whether you're a die-hard Peter Sellers fan or just in the mood for a fun, fast-paced adventure, this movie delivers the goods.

The Wrong Arm of the Law is a 1963 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.