Review of Too Many Crooks

Introduction

Years before he was doing dodgy deals as Arfur Daley, George Cole had cornered the market in dodgy young men in British comedy films of the 1950`s and 1960`s. The part he plays in Too Many Crooks is possibly his dodgiest. Made in 1959, the movie was a star vehicle for Terry-Thomas, archetypal British cad (never ever describe him as a silly-arse. He was always a cad and/or a bounder). In this black edged comedy, written by Michael Pertwee (elder brother of Dr Who Jon Pertwee and son of playwright Roland), Terry-Thomas turns in one of his macchiavellian villains up against George Cole and his gang who include Carry On regulars Sid James and Bernie Bresslaw.

By the way, try watching Shrek after watching a movie with Bernie Bresslaw in it and spot the similarities....

Video

Carlton have proved yet again how serious they are about looking after the Rank catalogue after its years in the VCI wilderness. One can only look forward to how they will treat the Carry On films once VCI have finished with them. I`ve never seen this film so clean and sharp, with less dust and print damage than I`ve seen on some brand new Hollywood releases. Stan Pavey`s monochrome photography is pin sharp, and even the check of T-T`s suit is rendered beautifully, never once fringing or strobing. Having said that, there is a puzzling colour temperature change in the image around five minutes in as if someone has switched from a colour to a monochrome signal. The movie is in 4:3 (or 1.33:1) format, but as with most British films of the era, this is likely to be, or is close to the original aspect ratio. The trailer also on the disc is in 1.66:1 letterbox, but comparing the scenes there with the main presentation, the trailer may be masked down rather than the feature.

Audio

Only mono

Features

What do you expect? There`s a theatrical trailer and subtitles.

Conclusion

You`ll spend the whole picture with a smile on your face as you watch first-class-stinker Terry-Thomas hoist repeatedly by his own petard. George Cole and his gang suddenly gain competence as they come "under new management", although as with any `fifties comedy there is a moralistic sting in the tail. If you`re a Terry-Thomas fan, this is one of his best, and it`s easily George Cole`s finest hour outside of the St Trinians movies.