Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

Description

In these two classic comedies from Britain's famed Ealing Studios, the ingenious Alec Guinness demonstrates with great style and wit why he is hailed as one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949) - Following his mother's death, Edwardian gentleman Louis Mazzini (Dennis Price) plots to avenge her by seizing the dukedom of the aristocratic D'Ascoyne family. To gain this inheritance, Louis must first murder a line of eccentric heirs to the title — all played by Guinness in eight extraordinary, star-making performances — in this delightful comedy named the Sixth Best British Film of All Time by the British Film Institute. Co-starring Joan Greenwood, Valerie Hobson and Hugh Griffith, and wonderfully directed by Robert Hamer (It Always Rains on Sunday). The Ladykillers (1955) — Lauded as "one of the greatest comedies ever made" (Entertainment Weekly), this colorful black comedy showcases Guinness as Professor Marcus, mastermind of a gang of bumbling bank robbers. The gang rents a room from an elderly widow who appears harmless, but when she begins to meddle in their "perfect crime," they realize she may pose the biggest threat of all. With brilliant performances by Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Peter Sellers, Danny Green, Jack Warner, Katie Johnson and the mighty Guinness. Directed by the great Alexander Mackendrick (Sweet Smell of Success).