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The Happiest Days Of Your Life DVD Review

Happiest Days Of Your Life DVD coverDirector: Frank Launder

Starring: Alastair Sim, Margaret Rutherford, Guy Middleton, Joyce Grenfell, John Bentley

Cert: U

Running Time: 81 mins

Extras: Andy Merriman on Margaret Rutherford, Martin Rowson on Ronald Searle, Michael Brooke on The Happiest Days Of Your Life

The St Trinian’s film series left a lasting comedic legacy, but the big screen effort that kick-started it all is less well-remembered. That imbalance is one StudioCanal seek to redress as The Happiest Days Of Your Life is released to buy, its gallery of memorable faces clearer than ever thanks to a fresh restoration.

Based on John Dighton‘s stage farce, the story concerns boys and girls clashing head on due to the inept and immovable forces of government bureaucracy. This satirical element (reportedly inspired by post-war administrative chaos) runs through the piece, but overall the tone is light, fluffy and punctuated by downbeat British wit. Formidably lazy headmaster Alastair Sim runs Nutbourne College, an educational hub for young males whose staff go through life in a coma. When they do come to life it’s in the most inappropriate way – the sports master has a penchant for girly pictures for example. This idyll of idleness gets rocked to the foundations when the occupants of St Swithins descend on the property. Led by the mighty Margaret Rutherford, they’ve been instructed to share the school, an impractical move which naturally leads to calamity.

Though amusing, the movie cruises along in affable fashion rather than splitting the sides. The real attraction are the scenes between Sim and Rutherford, two epic talents at the height of their powers. Miscreant meets battleaxe as the pair try to share lodgings and maintain a seat of learning in the face of absurdity. When they’re together the situation breaks free from a rather humdrum tone. Sim’s wonderfully haunted features get a proper workout as his world crumbles around him. Rutherford meanwhile definitely wears the trousers, appropriating his office and driving him to sleep in the bath.

Of the supporting cast, Joyce Grenfell provides a performance equal to the illustrious leads. Others struggle to make an impression. The set up is introduced through the eyes of new teacher John Bentley, who starts a tentative romance with a fellow educator, but this element fades into the background and it’s hard to see what it lends to proceedings.

The script, by Dighton and producer Frank Launder, has its fair share of memorable lines: “This is like teaching algebra to the removed!” an exasperated character remarks at one point. And as with many classic films of the period (1950) there’s entertainment to be had watching the details of the period. The nationalization of the railways is complained about – funny considering it’s back on the political table at the moment.

Trinian’s illustrator Ronald Searle created the opening titles, and the team of Launder and Sidney Gilliat went on to produce The Belles Of St Trinian’s, which was seen as a follow up of sorts to the antics here. The extras on the disc comprise of Andy Merriman telling Rutherford’s true life story (which is a major eye opener), whilst commentators Martin Rowson and Michael Brooke give an insight into Searle and the production respectively.

The tale ends in a frantic bout of premium pratfalls, well-executed but nothing that’s going to set the world on fire for today’s audiences. Those who leave their Apatow-influenced tastes at the door however will find much to enjoy.

The Happiest Days Of Your Life is out to own now.

 

 

 

 

Steve is a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. His short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.

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