The Smallest Show on Earth

10/16/2019

What if you were informed that you've just inherited your late uncle's "fortune" and then you found out that this "fortune" was, in reality, just an old, dilapidated, little movie theater? I'm assuming you'd be none too happy. Well, neither were Matt and Jean Spenser in this enjoyable little comedic romp. But they learn to make the most of the cinema, as well as the delightful assortment of oddball characters that go with it. Peter Sellers has an interesting turn here as the wacky, behind-the-scenes projectionist, and the whole thing is indeed very amusing. There's an abundance of unique and entertaining performances in this British-made little oddity that's a sort of tongue-in-cheek tribute to silent films. Would I recommend? Yes. A minor comedy that makes for pleasant viewing.

7/26/2025

If only I had a great-uncle “Simon” who would die (peacefully, of course) and leave me a cinema! Well that’s what “Jean” (Virginia McKenna) and “Matt” (Bill Travers) are bequeathed and so off the set to “Sloughborough” to take a look at their inheritance. Their hopes are high when the cabbie tells them the only cinema in town is the aptly named “Grand” but their dreams are soon dashed by solicitor “Robin” (Leslie Phillips) who takes them to a ramshackle old building two foot from the mainline railway. Their first instinct is to sell the thing, and their lawyer mentions that might just be possible: to “Hardcastle” (Francis De Wolff) who just happens to own the other cinema, and who needs an access road for his car park. Thing is, this man is quite shrewd and so drastically reduces his offer