Mufti Mob

When I first began to write a review of this movie, I compared it to The Italian Job and other 'lovable criminal' type of movies that have been made since. At first I thought this wasn’t fair on such an old film, but then I discovered that even back in the sixties, when this movie was first released, this was already considered an overworked genre.

So how does it compare, well being so dated certainly gives it an advantage in some respects. It has a stellar cast – even Oliver Reed makes an uncredited appearance, as an effeminate chorus boy. Acting is superb for the period and characters are well developed, if a little stereotypical. The script is also an absolute joy, there are a few humorous moments too, but none of them are played just for laughs. The humour is very subtle and sharp. One in-joke is about the Bank that co-funded this film; when contemplating the bank robbery ex-Major Race worries, "I do hope he hasn't the National Provincial in mind. They're being awfully decent to me at the moment."

As with many bank robbery movies, it starts with the gang members being brought together, each with his own unique skill set, all gained in Army Service. Their individual invitations are attached to a mystery novel and half of a £5 note, to appeal to the sense of greed (£5 back then was worth something)! So the league of gentlemen consists entirely of ex-servicemen, each with his own chequered past, making them a formidable team. It is an ingenious start and gets you quickly into the movie. Does the Bank Raid happen? What becomes of the "league of gentlemen"? Well you’ll have to watch the movie to find out.


7/10