The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)

 Charles Crichton's "The Lavender Hill Mob"


Charles Crichton's 1951 British comedy film "The Lavender Hill Mob" has some of the most British sensibility of any film I've seen in a while. That being said, the film is straight up a comedy, so British comedy, mind you. There were quite a few moments in the film that had me genuinely laughing out loud. There were also some moments of mild suspense and elements that kept me fully engaged. 

The film centers on a Henry Holland, a London bank clerk, played incredibly by Sir Alec Guinness. For the past twenty years, Henry has been in charge of gold bullion deliveries. One day, he devises a scheme to steal a consignment of gold bullion with the assistance of foundry owner and two small-time criminals. Through a series of ups and downs in their plan, we watch as Henry and his 'Lavender Hill Mob' pull of a heist of the gold and attempt to get it across the border.

As I said previously, I was thoroughly engaged with this comedy thriller. It does a superb job of creating amusement and interest with its story and characters. The only thematic pull I can take from the film is the inverse of the noir genre, as these desolately bored well-off characters can't help but to take this ultimate risk for the sake of the excitement of it all. Other than that, it plays more as a humorous ride through British sensibility and comedy. 



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