School for Scoundrels (1960 film) - Revision history

Kurt at 19:56, 11 February 2023

2023-02-11T19:56:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:56, 11 February 2023
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	~~{{EngvarB\|date=September 2013}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=September 2013}}~~
	{{Infobox film		{{Infobox film
	\| ~~name~~ = School for Scoundrels		\| image = School for Scoundrels 1960 UK poster.jpg
	~~\| image = School_for_Scoundrels_1960_UK_poster~~.jpg
	\| caption = UK poster		\| caption = UK poster
	\| director = [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]]<br />[[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited),<br />[[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/\|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date=2003–14\|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>		\| director = [[Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]]<br />[[Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited),<br />[[Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/\|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date=2003–14\|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>
	\| producer = Hal E. Chester		\| producer = Hal E. Chester
	\| screenplay = Hal E. Chester<br />[[w:Patricia Moyes\|Patricia Moyes]]<br />[[Peter Ustinov]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}<br />[[w:Frank Tarloff\|Frank Tarloff]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}		\| screenplay = Hal E. Chester<br />[[Patricia Moyes\|Patricia Moyes]]<br />[[Peter Ustinov]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}<br />[[Frank Tarloff\|Frank Tarloff]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}
	\| based_on = {{based on\|the ''[[w:Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]'' series\|[[w:Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]}}		\| based_on = {{based on\|the ''[[Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]'' series\|[[Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]}}
	\| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]]<br/>[[Terry-Thomas]]<br />[[w:Janette Scott\|Janette Scott]]<br />[[Alastair Sim]]		\| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]]<br/>[[Terry-Thomas]]<br />[[Janette Scott\|Janette Scott]]<br />[[Alastair Sim]]
	\| music = [[w:John Addison\|John Addison]]		\| music = [[John Addison\|John Addison]]
	\| cinematography = [[w:Erwin Hillier\|Erwin Hillier]]		\| cinematography = [[Erwin Hillier\|Erwin Hillier]]
	\| editing = [[w:Richard Best (film editor)\|Richard Best]]		\| editing = [[Richard Best (film editor)\|Richard Best]]
	\| studio = [[w:Associated British Picture Corporation\|Associated British Picture Corporation]] (ABPC)<br />Guardsman Films<ref name="Brooke" />		\| studio = [[Associated British Picture Corporation\|Associated British Picture Corporation]] (ABPC)<br />Guardsman Films<ref name="Brooke" />
	\| distributor = <!-- Link as for ABPC. -->Warner-Pathé Distributors<ref name=BBFC /> {{small\|(UK)}}		\| distributor = <!-- Link as for ABPC. -->Warner-Pathé Distributors<ref name=BBFC /> {{small\|(UK)}}
	\| released = {{film date\|df=y\|1960\|03\|24\|UK}}<ref name=Times1960>''The Times'', 24 March 1960, p. 2 (advert) and p. 12 (review)</ref>		\| released = {{film date\|df=y\|1960\|03\|24\|UK}}<ref name=Times1960>''The Times'', 24 March 1960, p. 2 (advert) and p. 12 (review)</ref>
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	\| budget =		\| budget =
	}}		}}
	'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]] directed by [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] and [[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[w:Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[w:Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[w:Bollywood\|Bollywood]] under the title ''[[w:Chhoti Si Baat\|Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[w:School for Scoundrels (2006 film)\|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).		'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[comedy film\|comedy film]] directed by [[Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] and [[Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[Bollywood\|Bollywood]] under the title ''[[Chhoti Si Baat\|Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[School for Scoundrels (2006 film)\|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).

	==Plot==		==Plot==
	Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[w:confidence trick\|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[w:Yeovil\|Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[w:gamesmanship\|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote\|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[w:Flashback (narrative)\|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[w:Janette Scott\|Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.		Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[confidence trick\|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[Yeovil\|Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[gamesmanship\|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote\|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[Flashback (narrative)\|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[Janette Scott\|Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.

	When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)\|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.		When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)\|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.

Kurt: /* External links */

2022-12-05T18:12:45Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:12, 5 December 2022
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	* {{Screenonline title\|487382}}		* {{Screenonline title\|487382}}
	* {{IMDb title\|0054279}}		* {{IMDb title\|0054279}}

	~~{{Cyril Frankel}}~~
	~~{{Robert Hamer}}~~

	{{DEFAULTSORT:School For Scoundrels}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:School For Scoundrels}}

Kurt at 15:15, 13 October 2022

2022-10-13T15:15:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:15, 13 October 2022
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	\| name = School for Scoundrels		\| name = School for Scoundrels
	\| image = School_for_Scoundrels_1960_UK_poster.jpg		\| image = School_for_Scoundrels_1960_UK_poster.jpg
	\| caption = ~~Original~~ UK poster		\| caption = UK poster
	\| director = [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]]<br />[[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited),<br />[[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/\|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date=2003–14\|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>		\| director = [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]]<br />[[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited),<br />[[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/\|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date=2003–14\|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>
	\| producer = Hal E. Chester		\| producer = Hal E. Chester

Kurt at 15:14, 13 October 2022

2022-10-13T15:14:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 13 October 2022
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	\| screenplay = Hal E. Chester<br />[[w:Patricia Moyes\|Patricia Moyes]]<br />[[Peter Ustinov]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}<br />[[w:Frank Tarloff\|Frank Tarloff]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}		\| screenplay = Hal E. Chester<br />[[w:Patricia Moyes\|Patricia Moyes]]<br />[[Peter Ustinov]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}<br />[[w:Frank Tarloff\|Frank Tarloff]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}
	\| based_on = {{based on\|the ''[[w:Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]'' series\|[[w:Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]}}		\| based_on = {{based on\|the ''[[w:Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]'' series\|[[w:Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]}}
	\| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]]<br/>[[Terry-Thomas]]<br />[[Janette Scott]]<br />[[Alastair Sim]]		\| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]]<br/>[[Terry-Thomas]]<br />[[w:Janette Scott\|Janette Scott]]<br />[[Alastair Sim]]
	\| music = [[w:John Addison\|John Addison]]		\| music = [[w:John Addison\|John Addison]]
	\| cinematography = [[w:Erwin Hillier\|Erwin Hillier]]		\| cinematography = [[w:Erwin Hillier\|Erwin Hillier]]
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	==Plot==		==Plot==
	Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[w:confidence trick\|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[w:Yeovil\|Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[w:gamesmanship\|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote\|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[w:Flashback (narrative)\|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.		Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[w:confidence trick\|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[w:Yeovil\|Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[w:gamesmanship\|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote\|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[w:Flashback (narrative)\|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[w:Janette Scott\|Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.

	When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)\|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.		When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)\|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.

Kurt at 15:08, 13 October 2022

2022-10-13T15:08:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:08, 13 October 2022
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	\| budget =		\| budget =
	}}		}}
	'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]] directed by [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] and [[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[w:Bollywood\|Bollywood]] under the title ''[[w:Chhoti Si Baat\|Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[w:School for Scoundrels (2006 film)\|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).		'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]] directed by [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] and [[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[w:Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[w:Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[w:Bollywood\|Bollywood]] under the title ''[[w:Chhoti Si Baat\|Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[w:School for Scoundrels (2006 film)\|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).

	==Plot==		==Plot==

Kurt at 15:07, 13 October 2022

2022-10-13T15:07:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:07, 13 October 2022
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	\| image = School_for_Scoundrels_1960_UK_poster.jpg		\| image = School_for_Scoundrels_1960_UK_poster.jpg
	\| caption = Original UK poster		\| caption = Original UK poster
	\| director = [[Robert Hamer]]<br />[[Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited),<br />[[Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/\|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date=2003–14\|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>		\| director = [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]]<br />[[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited),<br />[[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/\|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date=2003–14\|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>
	\| producer = Hal E. Chester		\| producer = Hal E. Chester
	\| screenplay = Hal E. Chester<br />[[Patricia Moyes]]<br />[[Peter Ustinov]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}<br />[[Frank Tarloff]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}		\| screenplay = Hal E. Chester<br />[[w:Patricia Moyes\|Patricia Moyes]]<br />[[Peter Ustinov]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}<br />[[w:Frank Tarloff\|Frank Tarloff]] {{small\|(uncredited)}}
	\| based_on = {{based on\|the ''[[Gamesmanship]]'' series\|[[Stephen Potter]]}}		\| based_on = {{based on\|the ''[[w:Gamesmanship\|Gamesmanship]]'' series\|[[w:Stephen Potter\|Stephen Potter]]}}
	\| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]]<br/>[[Terry-Thomas]]<br />[[Janette Scott]]<br />[[Alastair Sim]]		\| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]]<br/>[[Terry-Thomas]]<br />[[Janette Scott]]<br />[[Alastair Sim]]
	\| music = [[John Addison]]		\| music = [[w:John Addison\|John Addison]]
	\| cinematography = [[Erwin Hillier]]		\| cinematography = [[w:Erwin Hillier\|Erwin Hillier]]
	\| editing = [[Richard Best (film editor)\|Richard Best]]		\| editing = [[w:Richard Best (film editor)\|Richard Best]]
	\| studio = [[Associated British Picture Corporation]] (ABPC)<br />Guardsman Films<ref name="Brooke" />		\| studio = [[w:Associated British Picture Corporation\|Associated British Picture Corporation]] (ABPC)<br />Guardsman Films<ref name="Brooke" />
	\| distributor = <!-- Link as for ABPC. -->Warner-Pathé Distributors<ref name=BBFC /> {{small\|(UK)}}		\| distributor = <!-- Link as for ABPC. -->Warner-Pathé Distributors<ref name=BBFC /> {{small\|(UK)}}
	\| released = {{film date\|df=y\|1960\|03\|24\|UK}}<ref name=Times1960>''The Times'', 24 March 1960, p. 2 (advert) and p. 12 (review)</ref>		\| released = {{film date\|df=y\|1960\|03\|24\|UK}}<ref name=Times1960>''The Times'', 24 March 1960, p. 2 (advert) and p. 12 (review)</ref>
Line 21:		Line 21:
	\| budget =		\| budget =
	}}		}}
	'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[comedy film]] directed by [[Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[Cyril Frankel]] and [[Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[Bollywood]] under the title ''[[Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[School for Scoundrels (2006 film)\|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).		'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]] directed by [[w:Robert Hamer\|Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[w:Cyril Frankel\|Cyril Frankel]] and [[w:Hal E. Chester\|Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[w:Bollywood\|Bollywood]] under the title ''[[w:Chhoti Si Baat\|Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[w:School for Scoundrels (2006 film)\|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).

	==Plot==		==Plot==
	Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[confidence trick\|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[gamesmanship\|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote\|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[Flashback (narrative)\|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.		Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[w:confidence trick\|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[w:Yeovil\|Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[w:gamesmanship\|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote\|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[w:Flashback (narrative)\|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.

	When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)\|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.		When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)\|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.

Kurt: 1 revision imported

2022-09-14T17:45:43Z

1 revision imported

← Older revision	Revision as of 12:45, 14 September 2022
(No difference)

en>Ser Amantio di Nicolao: /* External links */add Category:1960s British films

2022-09-04T17:08:52Z

External links: add Category:1960s British films

New page

{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Infobox film
| name = School for Scoundrels
| image = School_for_Scoundrels_1960_UK_poster.jpg
| caption = Original UK poster
| director = [[Robert Hamer]] [[Cyril Frankel]] (uncredited), [[Hal E. Chester]] (uncredited)<ref name = "Brooke">{{cite web|last=Brooke|first=Michael|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487382/|title=School for Scoundrels (1959)|work=BFI Screenonline|date=2003–14|access-date=20 June 2019}}</ref>
| producer = Hal E. Chester
| screenplay = Hal E. Chester [[Patricia Moyes]] [[Peter Ustinov]] {{small|(uncredited)}} [[Frank Tarloff]] {{small|(uncredited)}}
| based_on = {{based on|the ''[[Gamesmanship]]'' series|[[Stephen Potter]]}}
| starring = [[Ian Carmichael]] [[Terry-Thomas]] [[Janette Scott]] [[Alastair Sim]]
| music = [[John Addison]]
| cinematography = [[Erwin Hillier]]
| editing = [[Richard Best (film editor)|Richard Best]]
| studio = [[Associated British Picture Corporation]] (ABPC) Guardsman Films<ref name="Brooke" />
| distributor = Warner-Pathé Distributors<ref name=BBFC /> {{small|(UK)}}
| released = {{film date|df=y|1960|03|24|UK}}<ref name=Times1960>''The Times'', 24 March 1960, p. 2 (advert) and p. 12 (review)</ref>
| runtime = 97 minutes<ref name=BBFC>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/school-scoundrels-1970-4|title=''School for Scoundrels''|work= BBFC|access-date=3 March 2014}}</ref>
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| budget =
}}
'''''School for Scoundrels''''' is a 1960 British [[comedy film]] directed by [[Robert Hamer]] (and an uncredited [[Cyril Frankel]] and [[Hal E. Chester]]).<ref name = "Brooke" /> It stars [[Ian Carmichael]] and [[Terry-Thomas]]. It was inspired by the "[[Gamesmanship]]" series of books by [[Stephen Potter]]. It has been remade twice: in [[Bollywood]] under the title ''[[Chhoti Si Baat]]'' (1975), and in Hollywood as ''[[School for Scoundrels (2006 film)|School for Scoundrels]]'' (2006).

==Plot==
Henry Palfrey ([[Ian Carmichael]]) is a failure in sport and love, and the easy victim of [[confidence trick|conmen]] and employees alike. So he enrols at the "School of Lifemanship" in [[Yeovil]], run by Dr. Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]). Late for his appointment, he overhears Potter explaining the principles of [[gamesmanship|lifemanship]] to the new intake: {{blockquote|Well, gentlemen, lifemanship is the science of being one up on your opponents at all times. It is the art of making him feel that somewhere, somehow he has become less than you – less desirable, less worthy – less blessed.<ref name = sim/>}} Palfrey is given an object lesson in this when he has his interview with Potter, who proceeds to win a name-calling game. When Palfrey explains that he is a failure, Potter surmises that a woman is involved. In [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]], Palfrey recounts how he first met April Smith ([[Janette Scott]]), knocking parcels from her hands when he rushes to catch a bus. He manages to arrange a dinner date with her.

When Palfrey shows up at work, his loafing employees are unconcerned, despite his being the head of the family firm. They pay much more respect to his senior clerk, Gloatbridge ([[Edward Chapman (actor)|Edward Chapman]]). In private, Gloatbridge is patronising toward his erstwhile boss, making the business decisions. Palfrey asks him to make a dinner reservation, and has to fend off Gloatbridge's unwanted restaurant suggestion.

That night at the restaurant, the head waiter ([[John Le Mesurier]]) cannot find Palfrey's booking at first; he does finally locate it under a slightly different name, but still refuses to seat them, as they are late. When Raymond Delauney ([[Terry-Thomas]]), a casual acquaintance of Palfrey's, arrives and sees April, he invites them to his table, where he proceeds to try to seduce April and cast Palfrey in a bad light at every opportunity.

As Delauney has a fancy sports car, Palfrey tries to counter by purchasing an automobile of his own. However, two salesmen ([[Dennis Price]] and [[Peter Jones (actor)|Peter Jones]]) sell him a ramshackle 1924 "Swiftmobile". To further his humiliation of his rival, Delauney suggests a "friendly" [[tennis]] match; he wins easily. The film then returns to the school. Over the next several weeks, Palfrey proves to be an apt pupil in learning various ploys to gain the upper hand. The next phase of his education involves a field test of his new skills, evaluated by Potter. Palfrey convinces the car salesmen that his car, after some tune-up, is now a valuable and sought-after vehicle. They trade him an [[Austin-Healey 100-6|Austin-Healey sports car]] and 100 guineas (£105) for his Swiftmobile, which promptly breaks down.

After putting Gloatbridge in his place, Palfrey challenges Delauney to a rematch. Using some stratagems, he thoroughly frustrates his foe before they even start playing. Then, with April watching, Palfrey proceeds to win the set 6–0. April becomes disgusted with Delauney's behaviour afterward and drives off with Palfrey. They go back to his place for a drink.

Palfrey arranges for April's scotch and soda to spill on her dress. He suggests she take it off to dry and put on his dressing gown. Eventually, they end up in his bedroom through his tricks, but Palfrey cannot bring himself to take advantage of April. Then Delauney barges in, dragging Potter with him. Delauney had found out that Potter was Palfrey's guest at the tennis club and got the story out of him. However, after Delauney informs her, April realises that Palfrey genuinely loves her, and they embrace, much to the disgust of both Delauney and Potter. Potter breaks the "[[fourth wall]]" and apologises to the audience for his pupil's behaviour.

The film ends with Delauney getting off the train at [[Yeovil]] station and heading in the direction of the school.

==Cast==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[Ian Carmichael]] as Henry Palfrey
* [[Terry-Thomas]] as Raymond Delauney
* [[Alastair Sim]] as Mr. S. Potter
* [[Janette Scott]] as April Smith
* [[Dennis Price]] as Dunstan Dorchester
* [[Peter Jones (actor)|Peter Jones]] as Dudley Dorchester
* [[Edward Chapman (actor)|Edward Chapman]] as Gloatbridge
* [[John Le Mesurier]] as Head Waiter
* [[Irene Handl]] as Mrs. Stringer, Palfrey's landlady
* [[Kynaston Reeves]] as General
* [[Hattie Jacques]] as 1st Instructress
* [[Hugh Paddick]] as Instructor
* Barbara Roscoe as 2nd Instructress
* [[Gerald Campion]] as Proudfoot, a school student
* [[Monte Landis]] as Fleetsnod, a school student
* [[Jeremy Lloyd]] as Dingle, a school student
* [[Charles Lamb (actor)|Charles Lamb]] as Carpenter
* [[Anita Sharp-Bolster]] as Maid
{{div col end}}

==Production==
Stephen Potter's original ''[[Gamesmanship]]'' had been a successful series of books in the 1950s, but were not written in a narrative form,<ref name = "Brooke" /> so the device was adopted that Potter ([[Alastair Sim]]) had set up a "College of Lifemanship" in [[Yeovil]] to educate those seeking to apply his methods for success.<ref name = "Brooke" /> Some interest had previously been shown by [[Cary Grant]] (with [[Carl Foreman]]) in a screen version of Potter's books, but had failed when it proved impossible to translate the dry humour for an American audience.<ref name= sim>{{cite web |url=http://www.alastairsim.net/Film/schoolforscoundrels.htm |title=School for Scoundrels |publisher=alastairsim.net |accessdate=1 November 2010}}</ref> The film's title is a reference to [[Richard Brinsley Sheridan]]'s 1777 comic play, ''[[The School for Scandal]]''.<ref name = sim/>

Although the film only credits its producer, [[Hal E. Chester]], and [[Patricia Moyes]] for the screenplay, it was co-written by [[Peter Ustinov]] and [[Frank Tarloff]].<ref name = "Brooke" /> Its director, [[Robert Hamer]], was sacked during filming due as he returned to [[alcoholism|drinking]] and the enterprise was completed by Chester and an (uncredited) [[Cyril Frankel]].<ref name = "Brooke" /> Hamer did not work in the film industry again, and died in 1963.<ref name = "Brooke" />

The dishonest car salesmen calling themselves the "Winsome Welshmen", Dunstan ([[Dennis Price]]) and Dudley ([[Peter Jones (actor)|Peter Jones]]), were based on similar characters in a 1950s BBC radio comedy series, ''In All Directions'', in which the leads were played by [[Peter Ustinov]] and Jones; their catch phrase "run for it!" was recycled in ''School for Scoundrels''.<ref name= sim/>

''School for Scoundrels'' was made at [[Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)|Elstree Studios]], and location scenes were mainly shot in the vicinity.<ref name = locations>{{cite web |url=http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/s/schoolscoundrels.html |title=Film locations for School for Scoundrels (1960) |publisher=www.movie-locations.com |accessdate=1 November 2010}}</ref> The location used as the tennis club was then a private members club before its current incarnation as a hotel. The hotel hosted a screening in 2016 with Janette Scott attending and answering questions about filming ''School For Scoundrels''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://artandhue.com/happy-birthday-janette-scott/|title=Happy Birthday Janette Scott! - Stylish Pop Art - Bespoke & Custom Art|date=14 December 2016|newspaper=Art & Hue|language=en-US|access-date=4 February 2017}}</ref>

The film uses vehicles as plot devices. Palfrey foolishly buys a "1924 4-litre Swiftmobile" from the crooked "Winsome Welshmen". Later in the film he succeeds in trading the car back to them for an ex-works [[Austin-Healey 100#100-Six .28BN4 and BN6.29|Austin-Healey 100-six]] and 100 guineas (£105). The "Swiftmobile" was in fact based upon a [[Bentley 4½ Litre|1928 4½ litre Open four-seater Bentley]], with a custom two-seat open body. The car, minus the body, was sold by the studio in 1961 for £50, and re-sold (with new body) at an auction in 2003 for £110,000. The Austin-Healey 100-six used in the film was passed in at auction in the 1970s at around £30,000. The "Bellini 3.6" driven by Terry-Thomas is in fact a disguised [[Aston Martin DB3S]].<ref name = swift>{{cite web |url=http://www.swiftmobile.com/ |title=The Original Swiftmobile |accessdate=1 November 2010|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080622224931/http://www.swiftmobile.com/ |archivedate = 22 June 2008}}</ref>

==Release==
After passing the British censors on 14 December 1959<ref name=BBFC/> ''School for Scoundrels'' premiered at the [[Vue West End|Warner Theatre]] in [[Leicester Square]], London on 24 March 1960.<ref name=Times1960 /> When the film was released in the United States on 11 July 1960, it was given the subtitle "''or How to Win Without Actually Cheating!''", reflected in the US poster by [[Tom Jung]].

==Reception==
The film was the 12th most popular film at the British box office in 1960. While the review in ''[[The Times]]'' was very noncommittal,<ref name=Times1960 /> [[Leslie Halliwell]] described the film as "an amusing trifle, basically a series of sketches by familiar comic actors", and awarded it one star (of a maximum of four and a minimum of zero).<ref>{{cite book |title = Halliwell's Film & Video Guide|author-last = Halliwell| author-first = Leslie| author-link = Leslie Halliwell| editor-last=Walker|editor-first=John| year = 1996|publisher = Harper-Collins| location = London|isbn = 0-00-638779-9| page = 657}}</ref>

Michael Brooke, reviewing for the [[British Film Institute]]' Screenoline website, criticised the film as having "little sign of the elegance and wit that characterised earlier Hamer films such as ''[[Kind Hearts and Coronets]]'' or ''[[The Spider and the Fly (1949 film)|The Spider and the Fly]]''", but praised its script and performances, particularly those of Terry-Thomas and an under-used Sim.<ref name = "Brooke" />

In 2007, [[CNN]] listed the performance of Terry-Thomas among the top 10 British villains, stating, "generally found twirling his cigarette holder while charming the ladies — at least, when not swindling, cheating or behaving like an absolute rotter."<ref>[http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/25/top10.britishvillains/ "The Screening Room's Top 10 British Villains"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224183735/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/25/top10.britishvillains/ |date=24 February 2008 }}, CNN. Retrieved 7 October 2020.</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{Screenonline title|487382}}
* {{IMDb title|0054279}}

{{Cyril Frankel}}
{{Robert Hamer}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:School For Scoundrels}}
[[Category:1960 films]]
[[Category:1960 comedy films]]
[[Category:British comedy films]]
[[Category:British black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films shot at Associated British Studios]]
[[Category:Films about con artists]]
[[Category:Films directed by Robert Hamer]]
[[Category:Films scored by John Addison]]
[[Category:Films set in schools]]
[[Category:Films set in London]]
[[Category:Films set in Somerset]]
[[Category:1960s English-language films]]
[[Category:1960s British films]]