Crooks in Cloisters
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motion picture |
| Founded | 1964 |
| Founder | Jeremy Summers (director), T. J. Morrison and Mike Watts (screenwriters) |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Comedy film |
Crooks in Cloisters is a British comedic motion picture from 1964, helmed by director Jeremy Summers. The film features performances by Ronald Fraser, Barbara Windsor, Bernard Cribbins, and Melvyn Hayes. The screenplay was crafted by T. J. Morrison alongside Mike Watts.
Plot
Following a train heist executed with the aid of counterfeit signal lights, 'Little Walter' and his crew seek refuge on an isolated monastery island in Cornwall, which they acquire using their stolen funds, assuming the guise of monks. Walter’s partner, 'Bikini', takes on the role of cook despite lacking culinary skills. The gang settles into a tranquil existence focused on agriculture and animal husbandry while managing interactions with visitors and the original monastic inhabitants, including Brother Lucius.
As time passes, the group develops an attachment to their rural way of life and shows reluctance to return to urban criminal activities. With assistance from Phineas, a local fisherman, they continue to handle their illicit goods covertly. Nonetheless, 'Brother' Squirts's involvement in dog racing betting attracts law enforcement scrutiny. When Walter contemplates departure, the others prefer to remain; meanwhile, Willy absconds with June, Phineas’s granddaughter. Ultimately, Walter restores ownership of the monastery to the original monks just as police arrive on the scene.
Cast
- Ronald Fraser as Little Walter (Walt)
- Barbara Windsor as Bikini
- Grégoire Aslan as Lorenzo
- Bernard Cribbins as Squirts
- Davy Kaye as Specs
- Wilfrid Brambell as Phineas
- Melvyn Hayes as Willy
- Joseph O'Conor as Father Septimus
- Corin Redgrave as Brother Lucius
- Francesca Annis as June
- Norman Chappell as Benson
- Arnold Ridley as newsagent
- Patricia Laffan as Lady Florence
- Alister Williamson as Mungo
- Russell Waters as ship's chandler
- Howard Douglas as publican
- Max Bacon as bookmaker
Production
The production of Crooks in Cloisters took place at Associated British Picture Studios located in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, complemented by on-site filming in St Mawes, Cornwall. Prominent outdoor sequences, including those depicting the monastery grounds, were captured at Ashridge House near Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire. The harbour scenes were filmed at Portloe. The introductory train robbery features a British Rail class 4 diesel locomotive D140 (later reclassified under TOPS as class 46) at an unspecified location.
Critical reception
According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, the movie proves "more enjoyable than it appears from its synopsis," commending its warmth and humor without depending on conventional farcical elements. Although some aspects were considered predictable, the ensemble cast received strong praise.
The Radio Times Guide to Films rated it 3 out of 5 stars, characterizing it as a "comfortable but bungled crime comedy" that emphasizes character portrayal over physical comedy. Ronald Fraser’s portrayal and Bernard Cribbins’ contribution were particularly noted, with Barbara Windsor recognized for demonstrating her comedic talents beyond her typical roles.