Ealing Studios' output from the 1940s and the 1950s helped define what was arguably the golden age for British cinema. It fostered great directors while giving stars like Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers the chance to shine. With iconic performances from Guinness, Sellers and his future Pink Panther nemesis Herbert Lom, The Ladykillers is the crown jewel of Ealing comedy - and its swan song. Director Alexander Mackendrick's film centers on a criminal gang planning their next job, who find themselves boarding with an innocent old lady (Katie Johnson) who thinks they are musicians. When the gang set out to kill Mrs. Wilberforce, they run into one problem after another. Written by American expat William Rose (It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World) and produced by Daniel Day-Lewis' grandfather, Ealing visionary Michael Balcon, The Ladykillers won British Academy Awards for Best Film, Best Screenplay and Best Actress. Along with Mario Monicelli's Big Deal on Madonna Street, The Ladykillers is one the greatest heist comedies of all time.
This screening of The Ladykillers is made possible by a generous donation from the Harry & Mary Perrin Fund of the Coral Gables Community Foundation and hosted by Don & Jeannett Slesnick.
