91
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Near flawless.
- 100TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe last of the comedies produced by the Ealing Studios, and one of the finest, with a supremely dark tone which makes a climactic series of murders as hilarious as they are grotesque.
- 100The GuardianCatherine ShoardThe GuardianCatherine ShoardIt's a film with jazz in its bones and rhythm to its beats.
- 90The New YorkerPauline KaelThe New YorkerPauline KaelThis sinister black comedy of murder accelerates until it becomes a grotesque fantasy of murder. The actors seem to be having a boisterous good time getting themselves knocked off.
- 80Time OutTime OutA finely wrought image of terminal stasis, national, political (Charles Barr suggests the gang as the first post-war Labour government), and/or creative (the house as Ealing, Johnson as Balcon?). Whatever, Mackendrick immediately upped for America and the equally dark ironies of Sweet Smell of Success.
- 80The New York TimesBosley CrowtherThe New York TimesBosley CrowtherPerhaps it is slightly labored. Perhaps it does have the air of an initially brilliant inspiration that has not worked out as easily as it seemed it should. Still and all, Mr. Rose's nimble writing and Alexander Mackendrick's directing skill have managed to assure The Ladykillers of a distinct and fetching comic quality.