How to Murder a Rich Uncle (1957) in Color — Starring Nigel Patrick & Charles Coburn

How to Murder a Rich Uncle (1957) — Buy This Classic in Color

Buy How to Murder a Rich Uncle (1957) in color — Nigel Patrick’s delightfully dark British comedy about a scheming aristocratic family plotting to dispatch their wealthy visiting uncle before he can change his will. Starring Nigel Patrick, Charles Coburn, Wendy Hiller, Katie Johnson, Anthony Newley, Athene Seyler, and a young Michael Caine in one of his earliest screen roles. Wickedly funny and elegantly twisted — available now as an instant, DRM-free digital download.

Plot Summary

In a crumbling English country estate, the Clitterbern family finds itself in dire financial straits. Henry Clitterbern (Nigel Patrick), the head of the household, is a charming but perpetually broke aristocrat whose debts have grown beyond any hope of honest repayment. When his fabulously wealthy Uncle George Clitterbern (Charles Coburn) arrives from abroad for an extended visit, Henry hatches a desperate plan — murder the old man before he can spend his fortune or, worse, leave it to someone else entirely. Henry’s long-suffering wife Edith Clitterbern (Wendy Hiller) reluctantly becomes entangled in the scheme, her moral reservations constantly at war with the family’s mounting bills. The elderly and endearingly sharp Alice (Katie Johnson) potters about the estate seemingly oblivious to the plotting, though she proves far more perceptive than anyone suspects. Young Edward (Anthony Newley) brings reckless energy to the conspiracy, eager to help but hopelessly incompetent at every turn. The formidable Grannie, also known as Victoria Clitterbern (Athene Seyler), presides over the household with imperious authority, adding her own scheming to the tangled web of family intrigue. Gilrony (Michael Caine), a minor member of the household, watches the escalating chaos with quiet bemusement. Each elaborate murder attempt backfires spectacularly — poisoned drinks go to the wrong person, rigged accidents miss their target, and carefully laid traps ensnare the plotters themselves. Uncle George, blissfully unaware or perhaps craftier than he appears, survives every attempt with cheerful obliviousness while the family’s schemes grow increasingly absurd. The comedy builds to a brilliantly ironic climax that proves crime most definitely does not pay, especially when attempted by amateurs of such spectacular incompetence.

Cast & Crew

• Director: Nigel Patrick
• Starring: Nigel Patrick as Henry Clitterbern, Charles Coburn as Uncle George Clitterbern, Wendy Hiller as Edith Clitterbern, Katie Johnson as Alice, Anthony Newley as Edward, Athene Seyler as Grannie / Victoria Clitterbern, Michael Caine as Gilrony
• Runtime: 79 minutes
• Year: 1957
• Rated: Approved
• Genre: Comedy, Crime
• Country: United Kingdom

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

This professionally colorized version of How to Murder a Rich Uncle reveals the sumptuous visual charm of a 1950s British country house comedy in rich, natural tones. The frame-by-frame colorization process transforms every scene into a vibrant portrait of mid-century English aristocratic life — from the faded grandeur of the estate’s drawing rooms with their deep burgundy drapes and worn Persian rugs to the lush green of the overgrown gardens where so many ill-fated schemes unfold. Charles Coburn’s ruddy complexion and tailored suits gain wonderful warmth, while Wendy Hiller’s understated elegance shines through in soft pastels and muted tweeds. The dining scenes glow with candlelight warmth, polished silver, and the rich amber of aged whisky — details invisible in the original black and white photography. English countryside exteriors come alive with rolling green lawns, grey stone walls, and overcast skies that perfectly capture the atmosphere of a quintessentially British comedy. The restored color palette enhances every comedic set piece, making the elaborate murder attempts even more visually entertaining. This colorized version of the classic movie delivers the complete experience of a hidden gem of British cinema, beautifully restored for modern viewers.

Historical Significance

How to Murder a Rich Uncle holds a unique place in British cinema history as one of the earliest screen appearances of Michael Caine, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. The film represents the rich tradition of dark British comedies that flourished in the 1950s, following in the footsteps of Ealing Studios classics like Kind Hearts and Coronets. Charles Coburn, the American-born Academy Award winner, delivers one of his final screen performances with characteristic warmth and wit. The film showcases the distinctly British talent for combining murder and comedy with impeccable manners, a tradition that continues to influence classic film enthusiasts and filmmakers worldwide.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1957)
• Colorized: Professional frame-by-frame HD colorization and restoration
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 79 minutes
• Language: English
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Michael Caine really in this film?
Yes, a very young Michael Caine appears in How to Murder a Rich Uncle in the small role of Gilrony. This was one of his earliest film appearances, years before his breakthrough roles in Zulu (1964) and The Ipcress File (1965). Spotting the future Sir Michael in this early role is a treat for classic movie fans.

Is this film a true murder mystery?
Not in the traditional sense. How to Murder a Rich Uncle is a black comedy in which the audience knows exactly who the would-be murderers are from the start. The humor comes from watching Henry Clitterbern and his hapless family botch every single attempt on Uncle George’s life, with each scheme more absurdly doomed than the last.

Who directed this film?
Nigel Patrick both directed and starred in How to Murder a Rich Uncle, playing the lead role of Henry Clitterbern. This dual role was relatively unusual for British films of the era and demonstrates Patrick’s considerable talents both in front of and behind the camera.

Is this similar to Kind Hearts and Coronets?
Fans of Kind Hearts and Coronets will find much to enjoy here. Both films share the quintessentially British approach to dark comedy — aristocratic settings, genteel characters with murderous intentions, and a dry wit that treats the most outrageous situations with perfect composure. How to Murder a Rich Uncle is lighter in tone but equally entertaining.

Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the complete, uncut original 1957 film that has been restored and enhanced with professional colorization technology. Every scene and all original dialogue are preserved exactly as intended.

What devices can I watch this on?
You can watch this colorized version on any device that plays MP4 or MKV files, including computers, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and media players like Roku or Apple TV.

Is the download DRM-free?
Absolutely. Your purchase is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright with no restrictions on how many times you watch it or on which devices you play it.

How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive your download link instantly on-screen after purchase, and a backup link will also be sent to your email address. No waiting period — you can start watching immediately.

How much does it cost to buy this colorized classic?
The price for this restored and professionally colorized edition is €15.00 — a one-time payment for a permanent, DRM-free download you can watch anytime.

Also available in colour for international viewers. This restored and professionally colorized edition of How to Murder a Rich Uncle brings a hidden gem of 1950s British cinema to life for a new generation of classic film fans. Watch this delightfully wicked comedy and experience the colorization that reveals every detail of its elegant English setting.

Related Colorized Classics

• Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
• The League of Gentlemen (1960)
• The Man Inside (1958)
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
• The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)