The Big Job

Very much like the carry on movies with some well-known characters plus their usual antics. They were up to the task and for viewers it was a nice blast from the past. Thrills galore and this one gets a star rating of 6 in the mix.

Silly story, silly characters ... very watchable. There is no let up in the pace of the dialogue and action throughout and there are many amusing moments. I liked the twist from the Carry On films where the women (Sylvia Syms and Joan Sims) are lusting after the men who are just not interested and too busy planning The Big Job even on their wedding nights - "Are you coming to bed?" "What for?"

This film is made in the great tradition that is `Carry On`. The music shouts Carry On, as do the actors. maybe the movie could have been subtitled `Carry on Nicking`. Sid James as the centre for this production shows the Blueprint for his many performances as what was basically the same character throughout the Carry On series of movies whether it be Henry VIII or Sidney Bliss.

Produced by the team behind the 'Carry On' films and starring many regulars, 'The Big Job' has often been cited as unofficial entry in the series, but the set-up is much more of the Ealing variety. 'The Ladykillers' and 'The Lavender Hill Mob' form the template as a gang of criminals rent a room under false pretences, claiming to be birdwatchers when they are really interested in a nearby tree where they stashed some loot before serving time; whilst behind bars though, a police station has been built around the tree! The film chiefly derives laughs from the gang's failed attempts to rescue the money and the utter oblivion of the police force. This is an uneasy combination (the plot hinges on neither side possessing common sense) but there are many hilarious moments as all cast members are in fine form. Half a decade before his 'Please, Sir' days, Deryck Guyler is especially funny as the stuffy lead police sergeant, and Sid James, Joan Sims and Dick Emery as expectedly great. Sylvia Sims has a bit of thankless role as Sid's girlfriend, and the film as its weakest when focused on their marriage of a convenience (as well as a latter similar marriage) but for the most part, the irony of the basic set-up thankfully remains in focus. This is where the film succeeds best with an interesting message in terms of crime never paying (the ultimate fate of the money is a great twist too). Those expecting something as clever as 'The Lavender Hill Mob' or 'Carry On Camping' might be disappointed, but 'The Big Job' is a fairly solid film on its own terms, some incredulous silliness aside.

This is of those films that is so good, it doesn't really matter that it's in black and white.

It's a quintessential farce, but it's absolutely hilarious, and so well done. A team of bank robbers hide the loot before they are caught and do their time. Lo and behold, when they get out, they find a police station built around the hiding place.

Even the denouement fails to be an anticlimax.

It's a rare opportunity to see some of the comedic leads play their role dead pan, which only heightens the comedy. It also includes Sylvia Sims, a normally serious actor, hilariously excelling herself.

It would be a leading candidate for the perfect comedy film. Don't miss it!