Rounding up the usual suspects
Ladies Who Do review
By
Mountfalcon from Ilford, England
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7th May 2011
A joy for all those who love post-war British comedy. Many of these films make use of what seems like a giant rep company when casting - the players know each other and how to get the best out of each other, and it shows. Of the cast names listed at the start, I could identify all but one or two by name, and found I knew the faces where the names had been unfamiliar. Robert Morley, of course, gives what the bitchy Tynan would call a lazy performance (see his letters for nastier epithets) but is here precisely what's called for; Morley is Hardy to Hyde-White's Laurel - another laid back performer. The leading ladies give characteristic (and familiar) feisty performances and the only performer who occasionally seems out of place is John Pertwee, who is given the most unforgiving role to cope with.
The highlight is the crowd scene - the 'peaceful protest' - which is a masterpiece of what must be called choreography rather than blocking; it stands up with the teaparty scene in 'The Ladykillers', another gem of a set piece. Anyone who enjoys well-made entertainment will enjoy this - a great treat.
