The Ladykillers 1955
The film was one of the final comedies produced at Britain's Ealing Studio in the years leading up to the invasion of home televisions. Written by Academy Award winner William Rose (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner), and directed by American-born Alexander Mackendrick, the production gathered a wonderful cast of well-known actors for an experience that's one part tragedy and three parts comedy. If you've never seen The Ladykillers, you're missing an important piece of film history.

Living a stone's throw away from London's Kings Cross Station, Ms. Louisa Wilberforce (Katie Johnson) is the widowed owner of a large house with rooms to rent. One day a potential tenant bearing the title Professor Marcus (Alec Guinness) arrives on her doorstep with plans to rent the upper apartment for his incoming band of amateur musicians. Intrigued with the idea of welcoming artists into her home, the naive old lady ushers Marcus and his motley crew of would-be thieves into her home, allowing them the perfect location for an upcoming bank heist. Taking advantage of Ms. Wilberforce as a key pawn in their scheme, the shady characters pull off the caper and believe they're in the clear. However, an unfortunate accident involving a cello case full of bank notes soon reveals the true identity of the thugs, sending the elderly landlord's conscience reeling. Filled with a sense of duty despite the ominous presence of five criminals, Ms. Wilberforce allows the men a brief opening to collect their thoughts while she contemplates how to handle the delicate situation with the police..


Director: Alexander Mackendrick
Cast: Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom
Country: UK
Genre: Comedy, Crime

BD50 + BD25 | 1080p AVC | 01:30:41 | 58.6 Gb + 3% rec
Language: English, German
Subtitles: English, German

Extras:

BLU-RAY DISC ONE

Two versions of the film: one framed in 1.67:1 and another framed in 1.37:1. Each version can be accessed through the main menu. 1.37:1 ratio is in fact the correct presentation of the source material.

Audio Commentary - in this audio commentary, author and critic Philip Kemp discusses the conception of The Ladykillers, its production history, the Ealing Studios and the evolution of the British comedy, Alexander Mackendrick's directing style and specifically his interpretation of the original story by William Rose, etc.

Investigating The Ladykillers - this new program focuses on the lasting appeal and cinematic brilliance of The Ladykillers. Included in it are clips from interviews with broadcaster and author Stuart Maconie, film editor Catherine Shoard, actor and writer Reece Shearsmith, and author Ronald Harwood, amongst others. (41 min).

Color in The Ladykillers - in this new video interview, Keith Johnston, reader in film and television studies at University of East Anglia, discusses the visual style and color scheme of The Ladykillers. (16 min).

Lobby Cards Gallery - a collection of original lobby cards for The Ladykillers.

Behind the Scenes Gallery - a collection of behind these scenes stills from the production The Ladykillers.

BLU-RAY DISC TWO

Forever Ealing - this vintage documentary examines the history and incredible cinematic legacy of the Ealing Studios. Included in it are clips from many of its biggest hits as well as clips from interviews with Richard Attenborough, Stephen Frears, John Mills, John Landis, and Terry Gilliam, amongst others. The documentary was directed by Andrew Snell in 2002. (50 min).

Peter Sellers Spoof Trailer - presented here is a rare spoof trailer for The Ladykillers that was put together by Peter Sellers. (7 min).

Locations Featurette with Allan Dein - in this archival featurette, broadcaster and oral historian Allan Dein visits some of the original locations that are seen in The Ladykillers. (10 min).

Audio Interview with Tom Pevsner - in this archival audio interview, assistant director Tom Pevsner discusses his background and career evolution as well as his contribution to The Ladykillers. (92 min).

Audio Interview with David Peers - in this archival interview, production manager David Peers discusses his background, time in the film industry, and involvement with The Ladykillers. (93 min).

BBC Omnibus: Made in Ealing Clip - presented here is an excerpt from the BBC's Omnibus: Made in Ealing, which was first broadcast in 1986. (7 min).

Trailer - vintage trailer for The Ladykillers. (3 min).