This is a classic British comedy from Ealing Studios starring Alec (Obi-wan) Guiness as the head of a group of thieves who find their plans foiled by a tiny adorable old lady. Think Granny from The Looney Tunes level of cuteness.My copy of Kind Hearts and Coronets had a couple of featurettes about the history of Ealing Studios and an interview of Sir Alec that highlighted some of his roles while he was with them.
For those of us (Americans) who only knew him as Luke's mentor, it's a fascinating glimpse into his career. He was one of those actors who are able to change pretty much everything about their physical appearance for a role. For this movie, in fact, he wore a number of prosthetics, lending him an almost Karloff-ian look as Professor Marcus. Seriously, the man was gifted.
Peter Sellers also had one of his earliest roles in this movie as a baby-faced thief who gets bitten by a parrot. Again, if you're only used to seeing him as Inspector Clouseau, it's almost a shock to recognize him without the moustache.
As a movie, it's very dry, humor-wise. I believe the proper British term is "droll". If you enjoy that sort of thing, this is certainly worth watching.
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