"How to Murder a Rich Uncle" is a caper comedy that is a biting satire of the British peerage class. The plot unfolds as an almost genteel comedy, even subdued. But, as members of the titled Clitterburn family die off (that is, get bumped off) one after another, those who are left shed nary a tear and show no remorse whatsoever. Life goes on in this grossly exaggerated spoof of life in the blue blood atmosphere of England, with stiff upper lips, dry eyes and carrying on unruffled by life and events.
At least, one hopes this is a gross exaggeration. Regardless, though, prospective viewers should be alerted that this film may not be to the liking of some. Indeed, it straddles a fine line of exaggeration in spoofery, and dark humor.
The plot is very good, and all of the cast give top performances. Nigel Patrick is superb as Henry Clitterburn, the proper, head of the clan in England, with his calculating and egocentric nature. Wendy Hiller is superb and very funny in a delightful way. An early scene when Henry compliments her for her behavior, faithfulness and fastidiousness is a hoot. Never once does he mention love or anything romantic or soft, and she glows at his compliments and it makes her day.
Charles Coburn's role is out of character, where his Uncle George is mostly a straight character. The rest of the characters are very good. The cast includes two great ladies of early British cinema -- Athene Seyler as Grannie (Henry's mother) and Katie Johnson as Aunt Alice. Late 20th century and early 21st century movie goers may have a hard time recognizing Michael Caine. The 18-year-old Caine appears here in just his eighth film or TV role. I had to watch the film twice to see a young Caine in the face of Gilrony. When one knows who the actor is playing Gilrony, his two lines in the film turn out to be the funniest. In answer to questions from a barrister in a police hearing, Gilrony answers, "Oy!" and "Oy!"
Otherwise, the screenplay for this film isn't built around funny or clever dialog. The comedy comes mostly in the scheming and efforts of Henry to do away with Uncle George; and then to have each plan go awry with a wrong person of the family succumbing.
The film has one very funny short scene after Uncle George arrives when the camera scans above the fireplace and we see the family coat of arms. The family slogan reads, "We strive regardless." Indeed, it describes the emotionless carrying on by Henry and his family through a son's death, a mother's death, and so on.
As noted already, this film won't be for everyone. But those who enjoy satire, stories about the upper class of British society, and Anglophiles in general should enjoy it.
At least, one hopes this is a gross exaggeration. Regardless, though, prospective viewers should be alerted that this film may not be to the liking of some. Indeed, it straddles a fine line of exaggeration in spoofery, and dark humor.
The plot is very good, and all of the cast give top performances. Nigel Patrick is superb as Henry Clitterburn, the proper, head of the clan in England, with his calculating and egocentric nature. Wendy Hiller is superb and very funny in a delightful way. An early scene when Henry compliments her for her behavior, faithfulness and fastidiousness is a hoot. Never once does he mention love or anything romantic or soft, and she glows at his compliments and it makes her day.
Charles Coburn's role is out of character, where his Uncle George is mostly a straight character. The rest of the characters are very good. The cast includes two great ladies of early British cinema -- Athene Seyler as Grannie (Henry's mother) and Katie Johnson as Aunt Alice. Late 20th century and early 21st century movie goers may have a hard time recognizing Michael Caine. The 18-year-old Caine appears here in just his eighth film or TV role. I had to watch the film twice to see a young Caine in the face of Gilrony. When one knows who the actor is playing Gilrony, his two lines in the film turn out to be the funniest. In answer to questions from a barrister in a police hearing, Gilrony answers, "Oy!" and "Oy!"
Otherwise, the screenplay for this film isn't built around funny or clever dialog. The comedy comes mostly in the scheming and efforts of Henry to do away with Uncle George; and then to have each plan go awry with a wrong person of the family succumbing.
The film has one very funny short scene after Uncle George arrives when the camera scans above the fireplace and we see the family coat of arms. The family slogan reads, "We strive regardless." Indeed, it describes the emotionless carrying on by Henry and his family through a son's death, a mother's death, and so on.
As noted already, this film won't be for everyone. But those who enjoy satire, stories about the upper class of British society, and Anglophiles in general should enjoy it.