🔹 There Was a Crooked Man (1960) is a delightfully sharp British crime comedy that wraps satire, scheming, and social commentary into a brisk and entertaining 79-minute journey. Directed by Stuart Burge and starring the legendary Norman Wisdom, this film delivers both clever dialogue and a cautionary tale about deception, wrapped in mid-century charm.
Set against the backdrop of post-war England, the movie follows Dandy Forsdyke (played by Norman Wisdom), a sly yet charismatic trickster who poses as an inventor to lure wealthy investors into funding his fake machine. His invention promises to revolutionize communication — or so he says. As more and more gullible financiers fall into his trap, Forsdyke’s web of lies becomes increasingly convoluted.
💼 Forsdyke isn't working alone. Enter Leopold Sartori (Alfred Marks), a slick businessman with a mysterious past, who sees potential in Forsdyke’s scheme — not in the invention itself, but in the profits it might bring. Meanwhile, Sir Henry Elroyd (Andrew Cruickshank), a seasoned judge, is suspicious. As Forsdyke and Sartori maneuver their way through society’s upper crust, justice inches closer.
💡 What sets There Was a Crooked Man apart is its intelligent writing. The film walks a tightrope between crime and comedy, making you root for the conman while also reminding you that justice has its way of catching up. It’s a story of ironic twists, impeccable timing, and a brilliant portrayal of how easily people can be fooled by the illusion of innovation and charm.
🎭 The supporting cast adds further flavor. Susannah York shines as Amanda, the moral compass and emotional anchor. Her scenes with Forsdyke hint at a life he could have had — one with honesty and purpose — had he not chosen the crooked path. Meanwhile, Ronald Fraser and John Le Mesurier lend their comedic genius to supporting roles, bringing the kind of understated British humor that makes 1960s cinema so memorable.
📷 Shot in black and white, the film makes fantastic use of contrast, shadow, and period-appropriate settings to elevate its narrative. Offices, courtrooms, pubs, and posh mansions all serve as backdrops for Forsdyke’s escalating con, reflecting the social divides of the era. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue is snappy, and the tension builds as Forsdyke’s lies begin to unravel.
🎬 As the film nears its climax, Forsdyke’s carefully constructed world begins to collapse. Clues pile up, witnesses come forward, and the inspector closes in. Yet, even in the final moments, the film leaves room for one last twist — a reminder that even crooked men have tricks up their sleeves.
👮♂️ There Was a Crooked Man (1960) is a must-watch for fans of vintage British cinema, classic crime capers, and witty character-driven plots. It captures the spirit of an era, the slyness of a skilled conman, and the ultimate truth that crime, no matter how cleverly disguised, never pays in the end.
Set against the backdrop of post-war England, the movie follows Dandy Forsdyke (played by Norman Wisdom), a sly yet charismatic trickster who poses as an inventor to lure wealthy investors into funding his fake machine. His invention promises to revolutionize communication — or so he says. As more and more gullible financiers fall into his trap, Forsdyke’s web of lies becomes increasingly convoluted.
💼 Forsdyke isn't working alone. Enter Leopold Sartori (Alfred Marks), a slick businessman with a mysterious past, who sees potential in Forsdyke’s scheme — not in the invention itself, but in the profits it might bring. Meanwhile, Sir Henry Elroyd (Andrew Cruickshank), a seasoned judge, is suspicious. As Forsdyke and Sartori maneuver their way through society’s upper crust, justice inches closer.
💡 What sets There Was a Crooked Man apart is its intelligent writing. The film walks a tightrope between crime and comedy, making you root for the conman while also reminding you that justice has its way of catching up. It’s a story of ironic twists, impeccable timing, and a brilliant portrayal of how easily people can be fooled by the illusion of innovation and charm.
🎭 The supporting cast adds further flavor. Susannah York shines as Amanda, the moral compass and emotional anchor. Her scenes with Forsdyke hint at a life he could have had — one with honesty and purpose — had he not chosen the crooked path. Meanwhile, Ronald Fraser and John Le Mesurier lend their comedic genius to supporting roles, bringing the kind of understated British humor that makes 1960s cinema so memorable.
📷 Shot in black and white, the film makes fantastic use of contrast, shadow, and period-appropriate settings to elevate its narrative. Offices, courtrooms, pubs, and posh mansions all serve as backdrops for Forsdyke’s escalating con, reflecting the social divides of the era. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue is snappy, and the tension builds as Forsdyke’s lies begin to unravel.
🎬 As the film nears its climax, Forsdyke’s carefully constructed world begins to collapse. Clues pile up, witnesses come forward, and the inspector closes in. Yet, even in the final moments, the film leaves room for one last twist — a reminder that even crooked men have tricks up their sleeves.
👮♂️ There Was a Crooked Man (1960) is a must-watch for fans of vintage British cinema, classic crime capers, and witty character-driven plots. It captures the spirit of an era, the slyness of a skilled conman, and the ultimate truth that crime, no matter how cleverly disguised, never pays in the end.
Category
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Short film