He has hatched a plan that involves the men escaping from the prison on the day before their release, stealing £2 million of a Sultan’s diamonds which are under Army escort, and then breaking back into the gaol with the perfect alibi. Soapy has a proposition to put to the men. The Governor unwittingly welcomes into his prison the trio’s criminal associate, Soapy, posing as their vicar. Their trusting, liberal Governor is very proud of the prison’s rehabilitative pursuits (like basket weaving) and allows the prisoners considerable latitude neither he nor his less-than-diligent staff are, for example, aware that the prisoners are holding safe-cracking lessons during woodwork classes. They live an extremely comfortable existence, with morning papers, milk, food and brandy delivered through their cell window each morning. Lane and two mates, Lennie and Jelly share a three-outer in Huntleigh Prison.
His character is more a refined cockney crook, if there is such a thing, and the film is less of a vehicle to showcase Sellers’ talents than the Clouseau and Strangelove movies that were to follow soon after.
TWO WAY STRETCH 1960 MOVIE
Peter Sellers plays Dodger Lane in this black-and-white movie from the Carry On era of British cinema. I’m not sure how ‘comedy capers’ are different from ordinary comedies, but this is definitely in the caper mould.