Timid Ernie Broughton (Kenneth Connor) – a proofreader of horror paperbacks – and his best pal, bookie Syd Butler (Sidney James) travel to Blackshaw Towers – the isolated Yorkshire mansion of Ernie’s recently departed Uncle Gabriel (Philip O’Flynn).
They meet the various eccentric members of the Broughton family who have all convened for the reading of the will.
As a thunderstorm rages outside, trapping the beneficiaries in the eerie mansion on the moors for the night. The lights go out and the phone is cut off, there are paintings with the eyes cut out, and even a pipe organ for menacing music (and Chopsticks). Gradually, someone begins to bump off the visitors in a variety of gruesome ways.
Sid James and Kenneth Connor are at the top of their game and play each other off perfectly, while the stellar supporting cast includes Donald Pleasence, Michael Gough, Esma Cannon, Shirley Eaton and Dennis Price.
Popstar Adam Faith makes a surprise cameo appearance at the end of the film.
Released in some markets as No Place Like Homicide! this is an undervalued masterpiece of early British comedy.
Syd Butler
Sidney James Ernie Broughton
Kenneth Connor Linda Dickson
Shirley Eaton Guy Broughton
Dennis Price Everett Sloane
Donald Pleasence Fisk the Butler
Michael Gough Aunt Emily
Esma Cannon Malcolm Broughton
Michael Gwynn Janet Broughton
Valerie Taylor Arkwright/Gabriel Broughton
Philip O’Flynn Dr Edward Broughton
George Woodbridge Hearse Driver
Frederick Piper Porter
Timothy Bateson Adam Faith
Himself
As a thunderstorm rages outside, trapping the beneficiaries in the eerie mansion on the moors for the night. The lights go out and the phone is cut off, there are paintings with the eyes cut out, and even a pipe organ for menacing music (and Chopsticks). Gradually, someone begins to bump off the visitors in a variety of gruesome ways.
Syd Butler
Fisk the Butler
