Too Many Crooks Poster

Too Many Crooks 1930

38 min📅 1930-08-01

In the lively world of early 1930s British cinema, *Too Many Crooks* (1930) delivers a whirlwind of comedy and crime wrapped in a delightfully tangled plot.

Director: George King

Cast

Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier
The Boy
Dorothy Boyd
Dorothy Boyd
The Girl
A. Bromley Davenport
A. Bromley Davenport
The Man Upstairs
Arthur Stratton
The Burgler
Ellen Pollock
Ellen Pollock
The Other Girl
Mina Burnett
The Maid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Too Many Crooks* (1930) about?

*Too Many Crooks* follows a man who attempts to break into his own safe—only to discover a professional criminal has beaten him to it. What follows is a hilarious and chaotic night of crossed intentions, as the two thieves repeatedly cross paths in a series of comedic mishaps.

Who directed *Too Many Crooks*?

*Too Many Crooks* was directed by George King, a filmmaker known for his work in British cinema during the late silent and early sound eras.

Who stars in *Too Many Crooks*?

The film stars a young Laurence Olivier alongside Dorothy Boyd, with supporting roles from A. Bromley Davenport, Arthur Stratton, and Ellen Pollock.

Is *Too Many Crooks* (1930) worth watching?

While *Too Many Crooks* is an early talkie with limited runtime, its clever premise and Olivier's breakout performance make it a charming time capsule for fans of classic comedy and crime films. Its lighthearted tone and quick wit offer a delightful glimpse into 1930s cinema.

How long is *Too Many Crooks*?

*Too Many Crooks* runs for 38 minutes.

About Too Many Crooks (1930) — A Comic Crime Caper with Laurence Olivier

In the lively world of early 1930s British cinema, *Too Many Crooks* (1930) delivers a whirlwind of comedy and crime wrapped in a delightfully tangled plot. Directed by the underrated George King, this short film follows a man's desperate attempt to outwit a seasoned burglar—only to find himself locked in a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse with his own safe. The story crackles with mischievous energy, blending slapstick humor with the thrill of a heist gone wrong, all unfolding in a single night of escalating chaos. With its snappy pacing and clever twists, *Too Many Crooks* showcases the charm of pre-Code cinema, where moral lines blur and laughter is as much a currency as the stolen loot.

Starring a young Laurence Olivier in one of his earliest screen roles, the film pairs his natural charisma with Dorothy Boyd for a dynamic on-screen duo that keeps the antics fresh and engaging. The genre-bending mix of comedy and crime feels ahead of its time, offering a playful yet sharp critique of ambition and folly. Set against the backdrop of 1930s London, the movie drips with atmosphere—think dimly lit apartments, clinking safes, and the unmistakable tension of a plan unraveling in real time.