Director: Robert Hamer
Starring: Ian Carmichael, Terry-Thomas, Alastair Sim, Janette Scott
Cert: U
Running Time: 97 mins
Extras: Interviews with Peter Bradshaw & Chris Potter, Graham McCann on Terry-Thomas, Stills Gallery, Trailer
The idea of treating life like a competition and getting one over on potential opponents is commonplace in today’s society. On TV The Apprentice regularly showcases selfishness and avarice in a frenzied clamber to the top. The new Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition is criticized from all quarters for encouraging respectful discourse in politics.
Back in 1960 this attitude wasn’t prevalent, which probably contributed to the success of British comedy classic School For Scoundrels. Reissued on DVD and Blu-ray with a spanking digital restoration, this story of bad behaviour packaged as a knowing wink to the male ego has returned to entertain a new generation. Will they be impressed by the black and white antics of the notorious institution of the title, run by glowering mastermind Alastair Sim? They may recognize the gap-toothed, moustachioed figure of Terry-Thomas as the caddish tennis ace who belittles Ian Carmichael‘s earnest underachiever on the court. These factors alone are enough to set the film apart as not only a period curio but a take on the cut and thrust of modern life that still resonates today.
Based on Stephen Potter‘s Gamesmanship book series, the narrative is led by Henry (Carmichael), a man adrift in London, running his own company but an aloof joke amongst his colleagues. A chance encounter with April (Janette Scott) leads to a rare stroke of luck when she agrees to go on a date. But when that is sabotaged by the arrival of swine extraordinaire Delauney (Thomas) Henry seeks the services of Mr S. Potter (Sim) and his morally questionable establishment. There he is instructed in the art of tricking your enemies and seducing your sweethearts.
Naturally the most fun comes from the more roguish characters. Sim’s brilliant hangdog expression (though his aims are more wolfish in nature), serves him well. And if anyone’s going to convince an audience of the virtues of being a bastard it’s Thomas. His repetition of “Hard cheese!” every time Carmichael fumbles a point is especially amusing, and Sim’s addressing of the camera in the closing scene to apologize is a dastardly masterstroke. Carmichael makes a great, multi-faceted focus, conveying the emasculated Henry and the mischevious monster he becomes with ease. If that wasn’t enough UK comedy talent for you, the likes of John Le Mesurier and Hattie Jacques pop up in small roles. The viewer is spoilt for choice by an array of distinctive faces and razor sharp turns.
Aspects of the script are going to raise eyebrows, particularly the use of a prop chair to get a woman into a compromising position. Also the notion of duping a female so she winds up in your bedroom in her underwear to guarantee a conquest really doesn’t belong anywhere in this day and age. There’s only so far you can make retrospective judgments though – the movie is a product of its era. You get fascinating glimpses of the capital as it used to be, i.e. decidedly uncluttered! Of course these are a visual treat in HD.
Talking heads abound knowledgably in the extras. The Guardian‘s Peter Bradshaw offers an overview and writer Graham McCann sheds lights on Thomas’s surprising true story.
If you’re looking to acquaint yourself with the golden age of British cinema, School For Scoundrels is an excellent place to start. Hollywood attempted a peculiar reboot with Billy Bob Thornton in the Noughties, a testament to big budget folly and the enduring qualities of the source material. Leave your sensibilities at the door and dive into a monochrome world of barbed tongues and affable duffers.
School For Scoundrels is out on Oct 5th.
