The Wrong Arm of the Law

A typical British comedy of the 60s, combining elements of classical slapstick and a conversational studio comedy, relying on the acting and charisma of Peter Sellers. This time, he is not the clumsy bumbler in the style of his most famous character from The Pink Panther, but rather his exact opposite. His character Pearly Gates is a smooth con artist who runs a small criminal empire with irresistible charm. However, his path is crossed by a nuisance in the form of a cheeky Australian gang, and so he must join forces with his archenemies from the British police to deal with this danger. Some gags no longer work today and there is a certain helplessness felt in a few scenes, e.g., when we don't know what to do, let's just have everyone fight. However, many dialogues and humorous situations are fully functional even today, such as the meeting of the criminal syndicate, which parodies political party meetings (unanimously approved - what were we actually voting on?). Alongside Sellers, Lionel Jeffries shines in the role of the incompetent police commissioner. Overall impression: 75%. (07/02/2010)

The bandits are losing their last certainties and their world is crumbling, looking like even the cops are crooks now. An enjoyable comedy that, to my surprise and delight, relies not only on Peter Sellers, but also on the equally excellent Lionel Jeffries. I didn't notice Michael Caine at all – he supposedly features in a small role as a police officer in the background at the station, but I'd like the internet to prove it. (01/05/2023)