The Smallest Show on Earth

…there’s nothing to this film at all other than wholesome fun and simplicity, but these humble qualities, underrated at the time, now seem to give Basis Dearden's an aura long after many of the blockbusters of the day have been forgotten….

The whole weight of this gay idea is carried by Bernard Miles, Margaret Rutherford and Peter Sellers... Outside these three, the film is a rather poor example of conventional British screen comedy, with stock characters and situations.

Very much an ensemble piece, it relies heavily on sight gags and cinema business.

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.