Brothers in Law (1957)
Directed by Roy Boulting

Comedy

Film Review

Abstract picture representing Brothers in Law (1957)
The Boulting brothers followed up their popular army satire Private's Progress (1956) with an equally vigorous send-up of another great institution, Britain's legal system.  Based on Henry Cecil's popular novel, the film brings together the three stars of the earlier Boulting comedy, Richard Attenborough, Ian Carmichael and Terry-Thomas, as well as several other familiar comedic performers - John Le Mesurier, Eric Barker, Nicholas Parsons, Irene Handl, etc. - for another classic British comedy. 

Carmichael is hilarious in another of his memorable greenhorn roles, the young barrister who is struggling to come to terms with the absurdities of an antiquated judicial system (which, apparently, has not changed one iota since the film was made).  Most memorable are the courtroom exchanges (particularly the ones where Carmichael is roasted alive by John Le Mesurier), which show just what an ass the law really is.   Although Terry-Thomas appears all too briefly, he almost steals the show with his side-splitting portrayal of a Cockney spiv, a complete contrast to the upper class cad he is best known for playing.  A highly enjoyable comedy classic.
© James Travers 2009
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Film Synopsis

Roger Thursby is a recently graduated barrister who is desperately keen to make his mark on the legal profession.  Alas, it isn't long before his initial optimism begins to wane as it becomes apparent that winning his first briefs is no east matter.   Even when the distinguished Kendall Grimes takes him on as a pupil, Roger still hasn't any success.  The cases that do somehow manage to come his way prove unwinnable and he soon becomes hopelessly disillusioned.   Then providence, in the guise of con artist Alfred Green, lends him a helping hand.  By getting the charge against Green dismissed on a technicality, Roger wins his first case, even though this victory revolts him morally.  Could this be the first step in a brilliant legal career, or is he destined to fail...?
© James Travers
The above content is owned by filmsdefrance.com and must not be copied.


Film Credits

  • Director: Roy Boulting
  • Script: Roy Boulting, Henry Cecil (novel), Jeffrey Dell, Frank Harvey
  • Cinematographer: Mutz Greenbaum
  • Music: Benjamin Frankel
  • Cast: Richard Attenborough (Henry Marshall), Ian Carmichael (Roger Thursby), Terry-Thomas (Alfred Green), Jill Adams (Sally Smith), Miles Malleson (Kendall Grimes), Raymond Huntley (Tatlock), Eric Barker (Alec Blair), Nicholas Parsons (Charles Poole), Kynaston Reeves (Judge Lawson), John Le Mesurier (Judge Ryman), Irene Handl (Mrs. Potter), Olive Sloane (Mrs. Newen), Edith Sharpe (Mrs. Thursby), Leslie Phillips (Shop Assistant), Brian Oulton (Client), George Rose (Mark Frost), Kenneth Griffith (Undertaker), Basil Dignam (Judge Emery), Henry B. Longhurst (Reverend Arthur Thursby), Penny Morrell (Rosalie Biddle)
  • Country: UK
  • Language: English
  • Support: Black and White
  • Runtime: 94 min

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