Produced by the team behind the 'Carry On' films and starring many regulars, 'The Big Job' has often been cited as unofficial entry in the series, but the set-up is much more of the Ealing variety. 'The Ladykillers' and 'The Lavender Hill Mob' form the template as a gang of criminals rent a room under false pretences, claiming to be birdwatchers when they are really interested in a nearby tree where they stashed some loot before serving time; whilst behind bars though, a police station has been built around the tree! The film chiefly derives laughs from the gang's failed attempts to rescue the money and the utter oblivion of the police force. This is an uneasy combination (the plot hinges on neither side possessing common sense) but there are many hilarious moments as all cast members are in fine form. Half a decade before his 'Please, Sir' days, Deryck Guyler is especially funny as the stuffy lead police sergeant, and Sid James, Joan Sims and Dick Emery as expectedly great. Sylvia Sims has a bit of thankless role as Sid's girlfriend, and the film as its weakest when focused on their marriage of a convenience (as well as a latter similar marriage) but for the most part, the irony of the basic set-up thankfully remains in focus. This is where the film succeeds best with an interesting message in terms of crime never paying (the ultimate fate of the money is a great twist too). Those expecting something as clever as 'The Lavender Hill Mob' or 'Carry On Camping' might be disappointed, but 'The Big Job' is a fairly solid film on its own terms, some incredulous silliness aside.
