Watch Two-Way Stretch

Two-Way Stretch is a 1960 British comedy film directed by Robert Day and starring Peter Sellers, David Lodge, and Bernard Cribbins. The film follows three inmates, Dodger Lane (Sellers), Jelly Knight (Lodge), and Lennie the Dip (Cribbins), who are nearing the end of their stretch in prison. Always looking for a way to make a quick buck, the trio devises a plan to steal a collection of valuable stamps from the home of a wealthy collector. Known for its witty dialogue and comedic performances, Two-Way Stretch has become a beloved classic in British cinema.

The film begins with Dodger, Jelly, and Lennie planning their latest scheme to rob the stamps from the collector, Major Leticue (Maurice Denham). While they are careful not to arouse suspicion, with the prison chaplain (Wilfrid Hyde-White) frequently checking in on them, their meddling rival, the Governor (Lionel Jeffries), is constantly on their tail, determined to catch them in the act.

As the day of the robbery approaches, the trio of criminals must navigate a series of obstacles, from dodging the governor to eluding a nosy neighbor. Their plan takes an unexpected turn when they discover that their love interest, Ethel (Patricia Hayes), has been kidnapped by a gang of thieves who are looking for the stamps themselves. The trio must work together to save Ethel and steal the stamps before they are caught by the authorities.

Throughout the film, the performances of the lead actors shine in their comedic roles. Peter Sellers delivers a masterful performance as the leader of the group, weaving together clever one liners and humorous banter with his fellow inmates. David Lodge plays Jelly Knight, the tough-talking sidekick who constantly clashes with Dodger, but remains loyal to him nonetheless. Bernard Cribbins rounds out the trio as Lennie the Dip, the dim-witted friend who often provides the comic relief.

The film's dialogue is smart and witty, relying on the charm and chemistry of the lead actors to drive the humor. The comedic scenes are expertly paced, with sharp comedic timing that keeps the audience laughing throughout. The film also features a number of memorable supporting characters, from Ethel, who adds a touch of romance and vulnerability to the story, to the Governor, who serves as the bumbling antagonist.

One of the highlights of the film is the heist itself, which takes up a significant portion of the second act. The plan is cleverly executed, with the trio using a number of disguises and trickery to gain entry to the collector's home. The obstacles they face in the form of Major Leticue's security devices create tension and suspense, leading up to a satisfying conclusion.

Overall, Two-Way Stretch is a delightfully entertaining comedy that has earned its place as a classic of British cinema. With its memorable performances, witty dialogue, and expertly crafted heist scene, the film provides plenty of laughs and excitement from beginning to end.

Two-Way Stretch is a 1960 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.