This 1955 classic gave way to the Coen Brothers’ troubled remake starring Tom Hanks and Marlon Wayans. In the original, several crooks posing as traveling musicians rent a room in downtown London from a seemingly helpless old lady (Katie Johnson). Several complications lead to the old lady learning of the crooks’ scheme. Even more complications ensue when, one by one, the crooks set out to dispatch the old lady.

This dark comedy features a great cast with the likes of Sir Alec Guinness and a young Peter Sellers. Guinness is a master chameleon in his role as ringleader Professor Marcus. Guinness masterfully blends his role as both an aged music teacher and cold-blooded crook. Peter Seller’s jumpy Harry bears little in common with his future roles in such classics as “Dr. Strangelove” and “The Pink Panther.”

More restrained than the Coen Brothers’ remake, the humor of the original “Ladykillers” is dark and subtle. The tightly-knit plot weaves together well, and the pacing is perfect.