THE WRONG BOX (1966) *1/2 The most exciting part is the opening credits: not that anything much is going on, but all those great names! John Mills and Ralph Richardson are somewhat at odds, but surrounded by most of the incredible young comedic actors England had to offer at that historic moment: Peter Sellers, Michael Caine, Dudley Moore, Peter Cook. Unfortunately the action, such as it is, is entirely dreary: the sort of thing one writes to be considered clever, rather than anything anyone would ever want to write. Black comedy is one thing, and the high subtlety of British wit is a reward for the initiated-and I know for a fact that they complement each other quite effectively, but only in other circumstances. Black comedy must be humorous, and the subtlety of British wit can only be evident when there is some wit about. This instead-despite fairly decent efforts by the lot of them, and better than that from Sellers and Caine-merely goes clunk! , and smiles abruptly at itself, not entirely unlike an infant who has fouled a fresh nappie. Only after all hope is lost and it gives up on itself and willingly degenerates into that cliché '60s conclusion where everyone chases each other around in confusion and circles.that grinning anarchy.is anything salvaged at all. The mild variations on the standard template are much more clever and original than anything that precedes them, and if all one asks is a smile at the conclusion then it might be just possible. Just.
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