Perhaps Michael Winner never directed an undeniable masterpiece but he certainly came close with films like DEATH WISH, THE SYSTEM, HANNIBAL BROOKS, among others.
THE JOKERS likewise rates short of a masterpiece but it has going for it self-deprecating British humor at its rawest, backed up by superb comedic performances from Oliver Reed and Michael Crawford as brothers intent on subverting authority at any cost for their personal fame rather than gain. As the offspring of the well off aristocratic Tremayne family, they do not really need to work but both join the British Army, are dishonorably discharged, and decide to go on a bomb hoax quest to prove their worth to themselves, in time upgrading that pastime to robbery.
Surrounded by 1960s belles, night club dancing, moronic parents, and a parody of the armed forces (James Donald as Col. Gurney-Simms is an absolute hoot), Scotland Yard (Harry Andrews is terrific as Inspector Marryatt), palace and Tower London guards, and the entire cabinet with then Prime Minister Harold Wilson at the top (when the crown jewels are pilfered the PM is away on vacation), the two brothers proceed to throw London into a spin as bomb call follows bomb call. Mind-boggingly, in the middle of it all stands one complete needless character called Lt Sprague, played by the great Edward Fox, who seems to predict where the next bomb might turn up, and who for some unexplained reason neither brother seems to like.
There is just a teeny weeny spanner in the works: brother David (Reed) is much more highly regarded by his parents and acquaintances than brother Michael (Crawford). That said, the latter is not half as dumb as others might believe... and when the symbols of the British monarchy are stolen good ol' Mike pulls a fast one on Dave, who, for all his sharp thinking, fails to see it coming...
Better than competent cinematography from Ken Hodges, including the magnificently done Tower of London heist. Imaginative, sardonic script by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.
I enjoyed every minute of it! 8/10.
