The Wrong Box
The Wrong Box

Movie spotlight

The Wrong Box

1966
Movie
105 min
English

In Victorian England, a fortune now depends on which of two brothers outlives the other—or can be made to have seemed to do so.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Director: Bryan ForbesGenres: Comedy, Adventure

Plot Summary

In Victorian London, two rival Bournemouth aunts vie for the inheritance of their wealthy uncle, who has recently died. The inheritance is tied to a peculiar 'tontine' insurance policy, which requires one of them to be the last survivor. To complicate matters, the surviving nephew of one aunt is tasked with retrieving a corpse from a coffin, leading to a series of absurd and mistaken identities.

Critical Reception

The Wrong Box was generally well-received by critics for its witty script, ensemble cast, and faithful adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel. Audiences enjoyed its eccentric humor and period setting, making it a quirky but beloved cult classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive and often surreal humor.

  • The star-studded cast delivers memorable performances.

  • A delightfully eccentric and unique period comedy.

Google audience: N/A

Fun Fact

The film is based on a novel co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his stepson, Lloyd Osbourne, and was considered a challenging but rewarding project for director Bryan Forbes.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Bryan Forbes is to be commended for assembling a glittering cast in this rather plodding adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's novel. It centres around the fate of a £20,000 fortune - the result of a tontine between 20 families who each in...