In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery's history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly -- he had long campaigned for pensioners to receive free television. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later did the full story emerge -- Kempton had spun a web of lies. The only truth was that he was a good man, determined to change the world and save his marriage -- how and why he used the Duke to achieve that is a wonderfully uplifting tale.
"A sweet package made sweeter by two of England’s finest actors." - Washington Post
"The kind of heist movie that will steal your affections from under your nose. An Ealing-esque comedy with its heart exactly in the right place, it proves a fitting farewell for the multitalented director, Roger Michell." - Empire Magazine
"Bring your mum and your gran (or anyone's gran if yours is not available) preferably to a matinee, and you'll have a delightful time and be home, whistling cheerfully, in time for tea." - The Playlist
"Heartwarming, beautifully shot and more English than a basket of fish and chips with a side of mushy peas, it’s an easy-to-watch, easy-to-love crowd-pleaser." - Times-Picayune