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Two-Way Stretch
Two-Way Stretch
Two-Way Stretch
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Two-Way Stretch
Original poster
Directed byRobert Day
Written byJohn Warren
Len Heath
Vivian Cox
Alan Hackney
(add'l dialogue)
Produced byE. M. Smedley-Aston
StarringPeter Sellers
Wilfrid Hyde-White
Maurice Denham
Lionel Jeffries
Beryl Reid
David Lodge
Irene Handl
Liz Fraser
Bernard Cribbins
CinematographyGeoffrey Faithfull
Edited byBert Rule
Music byKen Jones
Distributed byBritish Lion Films (UK)
Release date
  • 11 February 1960 (1960-02-11) (UK)
[1]
Running time
83 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Budget£118,677[2]

Two-Way Stretch, also known as Nothing Barred, is a 1960 British comedy film directed by Robert Day and starring Peter Sellers, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Lionel Jeffries, Bernard Cribbins, and David Lodge.[3] The screenplay is by Vivian Cox, John Warren and Len Heath. A group of prisoners plan to break out of jail, commit a robbery, and then break back into their jail again, thus giving them the perfect alibi – that they were behind bars when the robbery occurred. However, their plans are disrupted by the arrival of a strict new Chief Prison Officer.

Plot

[edit]

Three prisoners nearing the end of their jail sentences, "Dodger" Lane, "Jelly" Knight and "Lennie the Dip", are visited by a vicar seeking to find employment for them. He is actually conman "Soapy" Stevens, who proposes a big diamond robbery. They will also all have alibis, because they will break out of prison, commit the robbery and then break back in. With the assistance of Dodger's girlfriend Ethel and Lennie's mother the trio smuggle themselves out in a fake prison van driven by Soapy. The operation is almost foiled by the new Chief Prison Officer, disciplinarian "Sour" Crout. The trio return to the prison by hiding inside a garbage truck they know is scheduled to make an early morning pickup at the prison (a load of garbage is unexpectedly dumped on them). The trio hide the diamonds in the Governor's office until they are released and can take them away. All goes well until the sack of diamonds is lost on a train. Stevens is recognized and arrested but not before Crout throttles an actual Vicar and starts a near riot. The others get away, still trying to steal the diamonds again. They are seen in disguise at a ceremony where the Sultan will literally receive his weight in jewels.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]
The gates of the former South Cavalry Barracks in Aldershot stood in for the prison gates in the film

The prison scenes were filmed at the South Cavalry Barracks at Aldershot, and the security van robbery at Pirbright Arch in the village of Brookwood in Surrey.[4]

Critical reception

[edit]

Kine Weekly called the film a "money maker" at the British box office in 1960.[5]

The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "Jokes and situations borrowed from many a Service farce and laboured parodies of prisoner-of-war escape films are churned out by a familiar cast in a setting reminiscent of Convict 99. Wilfrid Hyde White easily gives comic point to every unctuous line, but Peter Sellers disappoints after his performance in I'm All Right Jack, as if neither he nor anyone else had worked out what sort of character he should give his convict. All in all, though, the pace and simple, rough humour of the story should guarantee the film a public."[6]

In The New York Times, Bosley Crowther gave it a positive review, writing, "the script by John Warren and Len Heath follows a straight line and is clever and full of good Cockney wit. Robert Day's direction is lively, in the vein of civilized farce, and the performances are delicious, right down the line," concluding, "Mr. Sellers is still on the rise."[7]

Leslie Halliwell wrote: "Amusing comedy with good performances and situations, unofficially borrowed in part from Convict 99."[8]

The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 4/5 stars, writing: "Fans of Peter Sellers rate this British venture, made before he started to believe his own publicity, as one of the best things he did. It's a prison comedy with a snarling stand-off between cocky convict Sellers, his cellmates Bernard Cribbins and David Lodge, and paranoid warden Lionel Jeffries. The plot – about a group of prisoners trying to break back into jail after a heist is wonderfully developed and there are delightful cameos along the way."[9]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Two-Way Stretch

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Two-Way Stretch is a directed by Robert Day, in which three inmates devise an audacious scheme to escape , steal a maharajah's emeralds from the , and return undetected before their scheduled release to maintain perfect alibis. The story centers on petty criminal Dodger Lane (), who teams up with cellmates Lennie Price () and Jelly Knight (David Lodge), enlisting outside accomplices while navigating the contrasting styles of a lenient prison governor () and a strict chief warden, Sidney Crout (). Released on February 11, 1960, in the United Kingdom, the film runs for 87 minutes and blends caper elements with satirical humor targeting the British penal system and class structures of the era. Peter Sellers, in one of his early leading roles before his Pink Panther fame, delivers a charismatic performance as the opportunistic Dodger, supported by a strong ensemble cast. Produced by E. M. Smedley-Aston for Charter Film Productions and distributed by British Lion Films, Two-Way Stretch was written by John Warren and Len Heath. Critically, the film has been recognized as an underrated gem of British cinema, earning a 73% audience score on based on over 500 ratings (as of 2025) and a 6.8/10 rating on from nearly 3,000 users, praised for its witty script, Sellers' timing, and inventive escape sequences. Though it did not receive major awards at the time, it has gained cult status over the decades, influencing later prison-break comedies.

Synopsis and Cast

Plot

In the relaxed confines of H.M. Prison Huntleigh, inmates enjoy unusual privileges, including morning milk deliveries, newspaper access, and educational classes in skills like basket-weaving and , under the reformist Horatio Bennett. Three convicts—Dodger Lane, Jelly Knight, and Lennie Price—are serving the final days of three-year sentences for robbery, benefiting from trustee status that grants them significant freedom within the facility. Their old associate, Soapy Stevens, arrives disguised as a and pitches an elaborate scheme: the trio will break out the night before their scheduled release, hijack a £2 million shipment destined for a Maharajah's ceremonial visit at the , and slip back into prison undetected, ensuring a flawless alibi by appearing for their official discharge. The plan faces immediate disruption with the retirement of the lenient Chief Prison Officer Jenkins and his replacement by the authoritarian Crout, a former adversary of Dodger who enforces strict and vows to thwart any mischief. Undaunted, the group recruits outside aid from Soapy, who coordinates the escape via a Black Maria prison van; Dodger poses as a , while Jelly and Lennie adopt dustmen disguises initially, later switching to musicians' outfits to infiltrate the diamond transport. With help from external accomplices including Lennie's mother and Dodger's girlfriend, they execute the breakout under cover of night, timing it precisely for the eve of release to minimize suspicion. The robbery unfolds aboard a train carrying the Maharajah's jewels under army escort, where the prisoners use sleight-of-hand and diversions to seize the gems, but complications arise when the diamonds are accidentally dropped and briefly lost amid the passengers. Recovering the loot through frantic improvisation, they evade immediate pursuit but encounter further chaos during their return journey, smuggling back into Huntleigh via a dust cart while dodging Crout's patrols. Back in their cells just in time, the prisoners hide the diamonds in the Governor's safe and feign innocence during their release the next morning. After discharge, while traveling by train to retrieve the gems, the diamonds are lost in luggage. Tension mounts as Soapy is recognized and arrested during the investigation. The trio recovers the lost diamonds and, in a final twist, disguised as waiters at the Maharajah's ceremony at the , steal the replacement jewels undetected.

Cast

The principal cast of Two-Way Stretch features a ensemble of prominent performers, each bringing distinct archetypes to their roles in this prison-break caper. leads as Dodger Lane, the suave and ingenious mastermind con artist who orchestrates the elaborate scheme from within the walls, drawing on his renowned versatility to portray a character blending charm, cunning, and quick-witted improvisation. portrays Soapy Stevens, the elderly aristocrat and refined accomplice whose posh demeanor and opportunistic flair provide comic contrast to the rougher inmates. plays Chief P.O. Crout (also referred to as Sidney Crout in some credits), the antagonistic warden whose over-the-top disciplinarian zeal and bombastic authority figure heighten the tension and humor of the escape plot. embodies Lennie Price, the naive young apprentice whose bumbling enthusiasm and wide-eyed innocence add levity to the group's dynamics. David Lodge appears as Jelly Knight, the muscular enforcer whose physical prowess and gruff loyalty serve as the muscle behind Dodger's intellect. Supporting roles flesh out the prison environment and external schemes with memorable character turns. stars as the Governor (Horatio Bennett), the well-meaning but oblivious administrator whose progressive ideals unwittingly aid the inmates' plans. plays Miss Pringle, the governor's sharp-tongued secretary whose administrative efficiency and dry wit inject bureaucratic into the proceedings. George Woodbridge is cast as Chief P.O. Jenkins, a lenient and affable senior officer whose easygoing nature contrasts with Crout's severity. portrays Mrs. Price, Lennie's doting mother whose meddlesome affection underscores the film's domestic humor. Among the minor and uncredited roles, appears as Ethel, the lively barmaid and Dodger's girlfriend, contributing flirtatious energy to the outside-world interludes. Other small parts include Noel Hood as Miss Prescott and Myrette Morven as Miss Meakin, both adding to the ensemble of staff with subtle comedic beats.

Production

Development and Writing

The for Two-Way Stretch originated from an original script by John Warren and Len Heath, who crafted a comedic premise centered on a "reverse escape"—prisoners breaking out to commit a heist and then returning to jail to fabricate an ironclad alibi. Vivian Cox contributed to the , while Alan Hackney provided additional dialogue to sharpen the witty exchanges. This narrative foundation emphasized satire of the British system's laxities and rigid class structures, blending farcical elements with social commentary on postwar British society. The project was initiated in the late 1950s by producer E.M. Smedley-Aston, operating under and Tudor Productions, as part of a wave of independent British comedies. It drew stylistic influence from the character-focused, ensemble-driven humor of films like (1951), prioritizing clever plotting over lavish production values. Key creative decisions during development highlighted the film's satirical edge, with the script evolving to lampoon institutional absurdities and social hierarchies through the prisoners' scheme. was brought on early, leveraging his burgeoning stardom after his breakout performance in (1959), which allowed the story to pivot around his versatile comedic talents as the opportunistic convict Dodger Lane. Budget considerations shaped the writing process, with an initial allocation emphasizing economical, practical sets and dialogue-driven comedy rather than or elaborate action sequences, aligning with the film's modest scale as a black-and-white production. Director Robert Day joined later to helm the project.

Filming

Principal photography for Two-Way Stretch commenced in 1959 under the direction of Robert Day, with the film lensed in black-and-white and running 87 minutes in length. Interiors were primarily captured at in , while exterior prison scenes utilized Aldershot Barracks in to evoke the confined yet comically lax environment of the story's fictional facility. Key escape sequences, including the heist involving disguises such as clerical attire and a rubbish truck, were filmed at locations in , notably around and , to accommodate the film's logistical demands for outdoor chases and comedic maneuvers without relying on elaborate stunts. These scenes presented production challenges in coordinating props and actor movements across rural terrain, ensuring the satirical prison breakout maintained tight comedic timing amid the disguises and vehicle-based gags. The technical team included cinematographer Geoffrey Faithfull, who handled the black-and-white photography to enhance the film's wry, shadowy prison atmosphere; editor Bert Rule, responsible for pacing the ensemble antics; and art director John Box, who oversaw set designs blending authentic barracks realism with humorous props like the fake vicar outfits.

Release and Commercial Performance

Theatrical Release

Two-Way Stretch premiered in the United Kingdom on 11 February 1960 at the Warner Cinema in London's West End, distributed by British Lion Films, before entering general release on 14 February. The film was marketed as a lighthearted comedy caper featuring Peter Sellers in a lead role, capitalizing on his rising stardom in British cinema during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Promotional posters prominently displayed Sellers alongside taglines emphasizing the film's humorous prison break scheme, aligning with the era's popular trends in Ealing-style comedies and satirical takes on crime. In the United States, the film received a on 23 January 1961, handled by Lion International Films as the distribution arm for British imports. The British Board of Film Censors awarded it a U certificate, indicating suitability for general audiences including children, and the final runtime was set at 87 minutes following adjustments.

Box Office

Two-Way Stretch achieved notable commercial success, particularly in the , where it was hailed as a hit. Director Robert Day later recalled that the film "was a huge and made a ton of money," crediting its strong performance to effective production strategies despite challenges during filming. The film's profitability was aided by ' growing stardom, which drew audiences domestically, though its reach was limited internationally by competition from American imports. While exact global earnings remain undocumented, the low-budget production ensured it turned a profit overall.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its release in 1960, Two-Way Stretch garnered generally positive reviews for its comedic elements and performances. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times described the script as "clever and full of good Cockney wit," with lively direction in the vein of civilized farce and "delicious" performances from the ensemble, though he noted the film "arrives at no conclusions and says nothing about anything." Similarly, Variety praised Peter Sellers for delivering "another deft, very funny performance" as the crafty convict leader, crediting the success to the actors—including strong support from David Lodge and Bernard Cribbins—and Robert Day's brisk direction, while critiquing the "thin story line." Retrospective assessments in the 2020s continue to highlight the film's satirical take on the British penal system, portraying as a lax, almost holiday-like environment ripe for . A review called it a "bitingly funny and subversive dark " that skewers institutional incompetence through its eccentric inmates and bumbling authorities. Modern critics also commend the sharp timing of its physical and verbal , particularly Sellers' versatile portrayal of the opportunistic Dodger Lane, which showcases his talent for blending charm with sly mischief. However, some contemporary analyses point to dated aspects, including stereotypical class-based humor and portrayals that reflect sensibilities, which can feel formulaic or limited today. The film maintains a solid consensus among audiences and aggregated scores, emphasizing its enduring appeal as lighthearted British farce. It holds a 73% audience score on (Certified Fresh) based on over 500 user ratings as of November 2025, with praise for its witty dynamics from audience consensus. Critic reviews are limited to 6, with no aggregated Tomatometer score. On , it averages 6.8 out of 10 from 2,900 user ratings as of November 2025.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Two-Way Stretch has been recognized as a precursor to later British prison comedies, notably influencing the 1970s BBC sitcom Porridge through its depiction of lax prison environments and crafty inmate schemes. The film's innovative caper plot—centered on prisoners escaping to commit a robbery and returning for a perfect alibi—paved the way for subsequent heist comedies incorporating similar twists on criminal ingenuity and institutional incompetence. Additionally, it showcased Peter Sellers' versatile comedic talents prior to his iconic Pink Panther role as Inspector Clouseau, highlighting his ability to portray sly, working-class characters with sharp wit and physical humor. The film's legacy has been revitalized through modern restorations and revivals. In 2019, undertook a 4K restoration from the original camera negative, enhancing its visual clarity for contemporary audiences. This effort supported 2025 Blu-ray releases, including editions from Studio Classics on March 11 and 's Vintage Classics line, both featuring the restored print. Screenings of the 4K version have occurred at prestigious venues, such as in New York as part of a Peter Sellers centenary series and the in during the "In Character: The Films of Peter Sellers" season. Culturally, Two-Way Stretch satirizes mid-20th-century British attitudes toward , class divisions, and the penal system, poking fun at lenient policies and aristocratic hypocrisies through its of eccentric characters. Its enduring appeal lies in vintage comedy collections, where it endures as a lighthearted yet subversive entry that bridges the tradition of witty with the bolder capers of the 1960s. Often discussed alongside classics for its ensemble-driven humor and critique of authority, the film maintains relevance in explorations of British cinematic comedy history. Home media availability has sustained its accessibility since the early , with initial DVD releases in collections like Lionsgate's Peter Sellers set, followed by multiple Blu-ray editions capitalizing on the 2019 restoration. Today, it streams on platforms such as BFI Player Amazon Channel, ensuring ongoing exposure to new generations.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/twoway-stretch
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054417/
  3. https://www.kinolorber.com/product/two-way-stretch
  4. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/94277/two-way-stretch
  5. https://dennisschwartzreviews.com/twowaystretch/
  6. https://www.comedy.co.uk/film/two_way_stretch/
  7. https://www.theguardian.com/film/movie/36230/two-way.stretch
  8. https://www.moviemistakes.com/film7464
  9. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/twoway-stretch/cast-and-crew
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054417/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.tvguide.com/movies/two-way-stretch/cast/2000114106/
  12. https://variety.com/1959/film/reviews/two-way-stretch-1200419522/
  13. https://www.thegoonshow.co.uk/wiki/index.php?title=Two-Way_Stretch
  14. https://www.cinemaretro.com/index.php?/archives/13041-REVIEW-TWO-WAY-STRETCH-1960-STARRING-PETER-SELLERS%3B-KINO-LORBER-BLU-RAY-SPECIAL-EDITION.html
  15. https://www.bfi.org.uk/film/7925107b-1b46-59c5-8284-ae1ed66e05fd/two-way-stretch
  16. https://www.cinemaretro.com/index.php?/archives/2025/03.html
  17. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Peter-Sellers
  18. http://nzpetesmatteshot.blogspot.com/2011/08/shepperton-studios.html
  19. https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/from-left-english-actors-peter-sellers-and-lionel-jeffries-news-photo/2192045535
  20. https://www.reelstreets.com/films/two-way-stretch-2/
  21. https://www.derekwinnert.com/two-way-stretch-1960-peter-sellers-david-lodge-bernard-cribbins-classic-movie-review-1843/
  22. http://www.dvdbeaver.com/subsite/film2/two_way_stretch_blu-ray.htm
  23. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/94277/two-way-stretch/
  24. https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/article/two-way-stretch
  25. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/robert-day-dead-director-peter-sellers-two-way-stretch-tarzan-movies-was-94-987720/
  26. https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/24/archives/screen-fun-in-prisonpeter-sellers-stars-in-twoway-stretch.html
  27. https://postmodernpelican.com/2024/11/10/two-way-stretch-1960/
  28. https://mibih.wordpress.com/2023/02/18/movie-review-two-way-stretch/
  29. https://www.dvdbeaver.com/subsite/film2/two_way_stretch_blu-ray.htm
  30. https://blueprintreview.co.uk/2025/07/peter-sellers-double-bill-two-way-stretch-heavens-above/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054417/reviews/
  32. https://vintageclassicsfilm.co.uk/movies/two-way-stretch-peter-sellers/
  33. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Two-Way-Stretch-Blu-ray/379405/
  34. https://filmforum.org/film/two-way-stretch-peter-sellers-100
  35. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-two-way-stretch-robert-day/1008716338
  36. https://thepeoplesmovies.com/two-way-stretch-review/
  37. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/two-way-stretch
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