The Smallest Show on Earth (1957)
1h 23m | PG-13
Jean and Bill are a married couple trying to scrape a living. Out of the blue they receive a telegram informing them Bill's long-lost uncle has died and left them his business—a cinema in the town of Sloughborough. Unfortunately they can't sell it for the fortune they hoped as they discover it is falling down and almost worthless.
Director: Basil Dearden
Studio: Hallmark Productions
Genre: Comedy
Video: 720p
Cast
Virginia McKenna
as Jean Spenser
Bill Travers
as Matt Spenser
Margaret Rutherford
as Mrs. Fazackalee
Peter Sellers
as Percy Quill
Bernard Miles
as Old Tom
Francis de Wolff
as Albert Hardcastle
Reviews
What if you were informed that you've just inherited your late uncle's "fortune" and then you found out that this "fortune" was, in reality, just an old, dilapidated, little movie theater? I'm assuming you'd be none too happy. Well, neither were Matt and Jean Spenser in this enjoyable little comedic romp. But they learn to make the most of the cinema, as well as the delightful assortment of oddball characters that go with it. Peter Sellers has an interesting turn here as the wacky, behind-the-scenes projectionist, and the whole thing is indeed very amusing. There's an abundance of unique and entertaining performances in this British-made little oddity that's a sort of tongue-in-cheek tribute to silent films. Would I recommend? Yes. A minor comedy that makes for pleasant viewing.