In World War II, a failed British officer is selected by his uncle, a brigadier with the War Office, to participate in a secret operation to recover looted artwork from the Germans.In World War II, a failed British officer is selected by his uncle, a brigadier with the War Office, to participate in a secret operation to recover looted artwork from the Germans.In World War II, a failed British officer is selected by his uncle, a brigadier with the War Office, to participate in a secret operation to recover looted artwork from the Germans.
- Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 1 nomination total
Henry B. Longhurst
- Mr. Spottiswood
- (as Henry Longhurst)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn addition to playing a German Officer in this movie (mostly speaking in English), Sir Christopher Lee dubbed the voice of the Dennis Price character in the scenes where he is speaking in German.
- GoofsOnce they are all dressed as German soldiers and behind German lines the vehicles they are using should really be left-hand drive (continental), not right-hand drive (British).
- Quotes
Maj. Hitchcock: Good Lord - Windrush! What on earth are you doing dressed up as a Jerry? You're an absolute bounder.
- Crazy creditsAt the end of the opening credits, there is a drawing depicting three officers in the "hear, see & speak no evil" stance with the words "the producers gratefully acknowledge the official cooperation of absolutely nobody.
- ConnectionsEdited into Heroes of Comedy: Terry-Thomas (1995)
Featured review
Just the ticket
Growing up in England we are blessed to have the comedic genii of the Boulting Brothers and Ealing Studios. Films like Kind Hearts & Cornets, the Lavender Hill Mob, and School for Scoundrels, comedies that make us root for the crook even though we know (thanks to censorship) that they won't get away with it. Private's Progress (the precursor to I'm Alright Jack) is in the same mould. The sublime Ian Carmichael, the Machiavellian Terry-Thomas, the spivvy Richard Attenborough, the slightly otherworldly John LeMesurier - perfect stereotypes of post-war Albion. Movies like this are made to be watched on wet Sunday afternoons, cozy slippers and a pot of tea, perhaps even a biscuit or two or a slice of rich fruitcake dense with candied peel and other goodies. Safe to watch with your Auntie Doris (no sex, violence or swearing, no sir), a film that carries itself purely on a clever script and a rattling pace. Complete fluff, of course, but just the ticket as the winter's evening closes in and you're dreading returning to work on Monday. File under pretty much anything from that era with Alec Guinness (may his name be praised), Sink the Bismark, Ice Cold in Alex, Rommell, or Dambusters. British through and through, and a jolly good thing too. They don't make movies like this anymore, more's the pity.
helpful•391
- m_fehle
- Jan 16, 2006
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Kompaniets svarta får
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 42 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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