A British Heist Film That Set Early Genre Standards
In 1958, John Boland published his novel The League of Gentlemen, which quickly caught the attention of British filmmakers. Director Basil Dearden, known for his work with Ealing Studios, saw potential in this story of ex-military men planning an elaborate bank robbery. Working with screenwriter Bryan Forbes, who also took a role in the film, Dearden assembled an impressive cast including Jack Hawkins, Richard Attenborough, and Nigel Patrick. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we return to our Heist Films series with a conversation about Dearden’s 1960 film The League of Gentlemen.
Breaking Down This Military-Precision Heist
The film follows a group of former military officers who, feeling cast aside by society (and kicked out of the military), band together to execute a sophisticated bank robbery. As we discuss the film, we explore how it handles character development within its large ensemble cast. While some characters receive more attention than others, the film mostly effectively balances its numerous players. Furthermore, we examine how the film’s visual elements, particularly the smoke-filled heist sequence with gas masks, create memorable and striking imagery in black and white.
Exploring Themes and Cultural Context
Throughout our discussion, we delve into several fascinating aspects of the film:
- The military hierarchy that naturally reasserts itself among the characters
- The film’s commentary on post-war soldiers struggling to find their place in society
- The blend of comedy and crime elements that would influence future heist films
- The impressive performances, particularly from Jack Hawkins and Richard Attenborough
- The film’s innovative use of practical effects, especially during the climactic heist sequence
- The cultural attitudes and gender relations reflected in the film
A Must-Watch Early Heist Film
The League of Gentlemen stands as an important early entry in the heist film genre, arriving the same year as the original Ocean’s 11. While some character development opportunities may have been missed due to the large cast, the film succeeds in delivering both entertainment and social commentary. We both thoroughly enjoyed this British crime caper, particularly appreciating its technical achievements and ensemble performances. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries
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- Script Options
- Theatrical trailer
- Original Material
- Letterboxd
