How to Murder a Rich Uncle

Two years before "How to Murder a Rich Uncle" debuted, the British also made a fine film, "The Ladykillers". Their plots are very similar but "The Ladykillers" is much funnier and better written. They're similar enough that you might just want ot skip "How to Murder a Rich Uncle".

When the film begins, Henry (Nigel Patrick) has come to the realization that his family is broke. Despite their manor home and good name, they cannot afford to keep living the way they do and, God forbid, they might have to actually work for a living. However, this is apparently more distasteful than the notion of murdering the rich uncle (Charles Coburn) who is coming to visit from America. Amazingly, Henry's plans fail repeatedly...and in the process he helps to off members of his own immediate family.

The film is enjoyable and Coburn, as usual, is a joy to watch. But the movie lacks the comedic edge to make it a must see movie. Good...but hardly as good as it could have been.