British Comedy Guide
What A Carve Up. Image shows left to right: Earnest Broughton (Kenneth Connor), Syd (Sid James)
What A Carve Up

What A Carve Up

  • 1961 film

Comedy horror. Disparate members of the Broughton family are brought together for the reading of Uncle Gabriel's will - but murder appears to be afoot. Stars Sid James, Kenneth Connor, Shirley Eaton, Dennis Price, Donald Pleasence and more.

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What A Carve Up. Image shows left to right: Guy Broughton (Dennis Price), Syd Butler (Sid James), Fisk (Michael Gough), Linda Dickson (Shirley Eaton), Ernest Broughton (Kenneth Connor)

Key details

Genre
Film
Released
1961
Stars
Sid James, Kenneth Connor, Shirley Eaton, Dennis Price, Donald Pleasence, Michael Gough, Esma Cannon, Michael Gwynn and more
Writers
Frank King, Ray Cooney and Tony Hilton
Director
Pat Jackson
Producers
Robert S. Baker and Monty Berman
Company

Meek publishing assistant Ernest Broughton is surprised to receive a visit one evening from solicitor Everett Sloane, informing him of his rich Uncle Gabriel's death and that his presence is desired for the reading of the will. Unfortunately it is due to take place at Gabriel's imposing Yorkshire manor and, not fancying the journey alone, Ernie ropes in his best friend and flatmate, Syd Butler, to go with him.

After a strange encounter at the local railway station, Ernie's nerves are already on edge by the time they arrive at the house. He's soon reunited with his now decidedly dotty Aunt Emily, and meets snobbish cousins Guy and Janet; their father, Gabriel's brother, Michael; Dr. Edward Broughton; the definitely insane Malcolm; and the late Gabriel's nurse, Linda, and butler, Fisk.

The house has a decidedly spooky atmosphere but things get much creepier as night falls and the group separates and heads to their respective bedrooms. Creaks and bumps are surely just the weather playing with the building - but then the bodies begin to pile up... Who is responsible, and will any of them make it to morning alive?

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Additional details

Tagline
It's dead funny!
UK certificate
U
Duration
86 minutes
UK release
October 1961
Produced
1961
Distributors

Regal Films International

Also known as
  • One Exciting Night (Working title)
Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Black and white

Website links

Recording details

  • Twickenham Film Studios
  • Taplow Court - External shot of the house

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