Watch Too Many Crooks

Too Many Crooks is a British comedy movie that was released in 1959. The film was directed by Mario Zampi, and it stars Terry-Thomas, George Cole, and Brenda de Banzie in the lead roles. Too Many Crooks follows the story of a crook named 'Fingers' Farley, who tries to pull off a daring robbery but ends up in a comedy of errors. The movie opens with a jewellery heist carried out by 'Fingers' Farley (Terry-Thomas) and his gang. However, things do not go as planned, and Farley loses the jewels. Desperate to recover the stolen goods, Farley, along with his girlfriend, Rene (Brenda de Banzie), hatches a plan to steal a valuable painting from a wealthy businessman, Billy Gordon (George Cole).

The plot takes a hilarious turn when Farley decides to kidnap Gordon's wife, Harriet (Vera Day), to get his hands on the painting. But, he ends up taking Gordon's secretary, Claudia (Bernie Winters), instead. Farley's gang, which includes his dimwitted brother, Snowdrop (Glyn Houston), and a pickpocket, Jelly (Sid James), helps him in executing the plan. However, things get complicated when Mr. Gordon's shady business associate, Dawes (Dennis Price), shows up, and everyone's identity gets confused.

Too Many Crooks is a classic British comedy that has all the elements of the genre. It has eccentric characters, witty dialogues, and hilarious situations. Terry-Thomas, who plays 'Fingers' Farley, is the perfect comic foil. His straight-faced delivery and impeccable timing make him the shining star of the movie. George Cole, playing the hapless Billy Gordon, is also excellent. His character is perpetually bewildered and confused, providing the perfect counterpoint to Farley's scheming.

Brenda de Banzie is brilliant as Rene, Farley's moll. She is glamorous, resourceful, and just as crooked as her boyfriend. Vera Day, who plays Harriet Gordon, is the quintessential damsel in distress. Her predicament sets the plot in motion, and her character's evolution is both entertaining and satisfying. Bernie Winters, as Claudia, provides some of the movie's funniest moments. Her character is a long-suffering secretary who has to deal with Farley's incessant advances.

The supporting cast of Too Many Crooks is also outstanding. Sid James, who plays pickpocket Jelly, provides some comic relief with his slapstick antics. Glyn Houston, as Farley's brother Snowdrop, is the quintessential dimwit, and his character's misunderstandings create some of the film's funniest situations. Dennis Price, as the shady businessman Dawes, is also excellent. His character adds an element of danger to the proceedings, and his performance is suitably menacing.

The movie's screenplay is witty and well-constructed. It keeps the audience engaged and guessing until the final reveal. Too Many Crooks is a comedy of errors, and the plot twists and turns provide ample opportunity for hilarity. The direction by Mario Zampi is top-notch. He keeps the pace brisk, the tension high, and the humour fresh. The movie's climactic scene, set in a Scottish castle, is a fantastic set-piece that brings together all the film's characters and resolves their conflicts.

Too Many Crooks is a timeless comedy classic that has aged well. Its humour, characters, and situations are as entertaining today as they were over sixty years ago. The movie's cast is outstanding, and their performances are a masterclass in comic acting. The film's direction and script are exemplary, and the movie as a whole is a testament to the golden age of British comedy.

In conclusion, Too Many Crooks is a must-watch for anyone who loves British comedy. It is a hilarious caper that will leave audiences in splits. The movie's blend of charm, wit, and humour is unrivalled, and it is a movie that can be watched and enjoyed time and again.

Too Many Crooks is a 1959 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 76.