When I was growing up in the UK, this became a favourite of mine, and until I purchased The General on VHS, was the oldest movie I owned, so it has a special place in my movie collecting heart. Thanks for the review, Tim.
I have bought various versions including today the BR of "The Ladykllers" and I consider it to be one of the best comodies ever. There is no way that the remake of it will be better than the original. To me the star is Katie Johnson rather than the men. She should get top-billing.