When Robert Macpherson inherits the family business (making traditional tweeds) he brings in American efficiency expert Angela Barrows, who proceeds to introduce changes which are almost all for the worst. Meek, gentle manager Mr Martin, trying to keep her at bay (despite the fact that she has Macpherson under her thumb) comes to the conclusion that the only solution is to murder her.

This 1960 black and white British comedy, based on a James Thurber story, stars the then 35-year old Peter Sellers as the late-50s Martin, sporting a gentle Edinburghian accent (the film is set in Edinburgh),Robert Morley as the rather histrionic Mcpherson, and Constance Cummings as the not as clever as she thinks she is Barrows. The film is not hilarious, but it is constantly amusing. And Sellers - gloriously underplaying in a movie where everyone else is over the top - is brilliant. But then, he always was.

...as the quiet, devoted worker at the House of McPherson, a Scottish firm that's made tweed the same way forever. All that may change when the owner dies, and his son Robert Morley, returns from the US to run things, bringing with him Constance Cummings, an accomplished consultant. Morley is enamored of Cummings, and relishes all the changes she suggests (radical things like a real filing system, or opening the windows..) but when she suggests that the hand woven fabric can be factory-made more efficiently, mild mannered Sellers tries to sabotage her work, and then realizes the only solution is to be rid of her - permanently.

His murder attempt is perfectly timed comedy, and Sellers at his best. Expect sexism throughout this, based on a James Thurber story and it was 1960 after alll. Films of the 50's and early 60's often strike me as cringe-worthy when it comes to portrayal of women during that bridge period in film history when women are still not liberated but are now treated as overt sex objects. Overall, this is all about Sellers, but Cummings and Morley are in top form as well. There are clever well written characters with a slight eye-roll ending, but still recommended.

When this story inspired by a Thurber story begins, the elderly owner of a Tweed manufacturing company in Edinburgh is on death's door. And, after he passes, his foolish son, Robert Macpherson (Robert Morley) takes over the practically destroys the company. This is because he's met an obnoxious know-it-all woman (Constance Cummings) and she is intent on shaking things up at the company...even though things seem to be working just fine. But Robert is blind to how destructive and costly the changes are....as well as he plans to fire most of the employees and mechanize. But his trusted employee, Mr. Martin (Peter Sellers),clearly sees the damage this woman is doing....and he plans to take care of her himself...for the good of the company.

I had a laugh watching this film, as I can see what many Brits see when they see Americans playing Brits....clumsy accents and overdoing it a bit when it came to British actors pretending to be Americans (in particular, Ms. Cummings and Donald Pleasence). This doesn't really harm the film...but it is funny seeing how Americans are portrayed. I am not sure if some 21st century viewers will laugh at Cummings' character, however, as she could be interpreted (possibly) as an anti-feminist character....a lady who wants to take over the male-dominated industry. I didn't take it this way...more that this particular woman was obnoxious and awful!

Overall, this is a cute little comedy and one of Peter Sellers' most forgotten roles. He's lovely as the 60-something employee and plays him with great subtlety (he is no Dr. Strangelove!). Cute and enjoyable...and well worth seeing.