1962 British film by George Pollock
Kill or Cure is a 1962 British comedy film directed by George Pollock and starring Terry-Thomas and Eric Sykes.[1] It was written by David Pursall and Jack Seddon.
Plot
Captain Jeroboam Barker-Rynde comes to a country hotel to assist a wealthy widow. He endures a nature cure diet and exercises under Rumbelow. When the widow is poisoned, Barker Rynde and Rumbelow join forces to win a reward offered by hotel manager Crossley. Crossley is next murdered, and the clues point to the original criminal.
Reception
Box office
According to MGM records, the film made a profit of $89,000.[2]
Critical
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Devotees of Terry-Thomas or Eric Sykes may find something to go for in this slapstick farce, and the physiotherapy equipment and the Pekinese also have their moments. Otherwise, however, there is little to distinguish its undemanding humour from that of a multitude of other minor British comedies."[3]
British film critic Leslie Halliwell said: "Flatfooted and unprofessional murder farce whose only pace is slow."[4]
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 1/5 stars, writing: "This is the kind of comedy that could have killed off the British film industry, despite its domestic star-power and the usually reliable writing team of David Pursall and Jack Seddon. When bumbling private detective Terry-Thomas tries to investigate a murder at a posh spa, the only interest is in seeing him lock comedy horns with Eric Sykes and Lionel Jeffries. Unfortunately, it is to little effect."[5]
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