20 Films From The 1950s That Everybody Should Watch

8. The Ladykillers

Between 1947 and 1957, Ealing Studios would release seventeen wildly popular comedies, among them a whole host of classics like Passport To Pimlico and The Lavender Hill Mob, but few are as enduringly popular as 1955's The Ladykillers. The film, which writer William Rose claims to have completely dreamt, is uproariously funny throughout, supported by a cast so good that it's difficult to pick who stands out the most. Alex Guinness' sinister but oddly likeable portrayal as Professor Marcus was instantly iconic, while an early film appearance by Peter Sellers as Cockney spiv Harry Robinson marks the beginning of an incredibly successful career. The Ladykillers has been adapted a number of times for radio and stage, even being remade in the US by the Coen Brothers, but no other version has reached the popularity of the original, which is still regarded as one of the best comedies ever produced.