The Grey Mile

This short comedy seems to have premiered on the British Comedy Guide's site. It's available free here: http://www.comedy.co.uk/videos/5493/the_grey_mile_short_film/. It's mainly the work of newcomers although there are two veterans playing the leads - Murray Melvin in one of his best roles and Paul Shane, whose swan song this was (he died 2013). The pair play ex-crooks in an old people's home who get their revenge on the tyrannical, Miss Hannigan-style owner. There's nothing new here and in fact the theme of old folks re-living their youth has been done more entertainingly elsewhere. In addition the comedy is uneven. The film makers seem to have attempted Ealing-like charm but have thrown in comic book characters and situations, which clash. The result isn't as funny as it should have been. But the film is extremely well directed. And Melvin's characterisation is pure class.