There was a time when Peter Sellers was one of the most famous actors in the world. He’d risen to prominence in the UK for The Goon Show but it was his role as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther films which brought him international recognition. Then there’s his performance in Dr. Strangelove, which is iconic, but he was a surprisingly accomplished actor in many different types of roles. However, it was in comedies like The Wrong Arm of the Law where he seemed most at home.
‘Pearly’ Gates (Sellers), the head of a local gang with the cover of being a French couturier, is not happy at all. His lads keep getting ambushed by a new mob who are impersonating police officers. At first, he thinks it’s his rival ‘Nervous’ O’Toole (Bernard Cribbins), but it soon transpires that it’s happening to everyone. They get together and with the help of the local ‘bill’, led by Inspector ‘Nosey’ Parker (Lionel Jeffries), set a trap.
The Wrong Arm of the Law is as delightful as the premise suggests, with Cribbins and Sellers both very good value for money. The plot itself is full of amusing moments in a film which has a great supporting cast (including Nanette Newman, John Le Mesurier and Arthur Mullard) and a lovely lightness throughout. If you’re looking for a delightful and good-natured comedy romp, then The Wrong Arm of the Law is for you.
Special features:
- NEW Feature – The Long Arm of the Screenwriter – John Antrobus Remembers The Wrong Arm of The Law
- Behind the Scenes stills gallery
- Original trailer
The Wrong Arm of the Law is released on Blu-ray and digital by StudioCanal as part of their Vintage Classics on 2 May.
