My Learned Friend (1943)

Disbarred lawyer William Fitch bumps into a former client who he failed to prevent going to prison, but now recently released. He informs him that he is planning on getting his revenge on all those that put him in prison, and very quickly Fitch realizes that he plans to murder them all. And it's a race in time to stop him, as the last person on his hit list happens to be Fitch himself! Starring Will Hay, Claude Hulbert, Mervyn Hayes, Charles Victor, Ernest Thesinger, Gibb McLaughlin, Hy Hazell, Laurence Hanray and G H Mulcaster. This is from an old video recording of mine from 1990, so apologies for any glitches that may appear in this. It was Will Hay's last film before a stroke ended his film career, and it's easily one of his very best. A black comedy, with a superb performance by Mervyn Hayes in complete contrast to most of his other screen roles, and one he takes on with glee. There are a number of memorable moments, including the opening court scene between Claude Hulbert and Will Hay, and culminates in a dazzling finale. It's sad that Will Hay's film career ended so soon, but he certainly goes out on a high.