Please Sir!

I think that this is one of the few occasions from the period of remaking British television sitcoms for cinema, that the vibe of the original series was captured so beautifully, and even enhanced. This is one of my favourite movies of all time in actual fact, because the fundamental themes are about being nice to your friends, respecting their beliefs, sticking up for them, and consciously including and taking care of those who are different and that are less fortunate.

Like many of the comedies of the day, particularly those made by London Weekend Television, the humour is broad, and there is a good deal of very unsubtle social commentary. Class divisions, inner-city poverty, and race relations form an ongoing theme, but are dealt with comically and you never feel like you are being preached at. The writers, John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, demonstrate a far more enlightened and thoughtful perspective than many of their peers. They also don't hesitate to poke fun at the attempts of people of liberal sensibilities to readily accept allegations of racism, and to over- compensate with their empathy. A black student, Wesley, played by Brinsley Forde, is accidentally left behind when the coach, enroute to the school camp, departs without him after a roadside stop. He is picked up by Penny (Jill Kerman) and he mischievously convinces her that he's been the tragic victim of his white fascist teacher who is also his slumlord. When they catch up to the bus, the very benign - and scrupulously mindful of other cultures - Mr Hedges (John Alderton) attempts to thank Penny for taking care of their student, and she lets him have it; "Trevor Huddlestone was right about people like you!"

Leaving aside any deeper analysis, it's a nicely written film, with likeable actors and characters, and just enough comical conflict. (Did you say something, yer pasty-faced pillock?") The incidental music, and soundtrack song, Cilla Black's La-La-Lu, are pretty cool as well. I find this film always makes you feel better for having watched it.

An odd assortment of students from Fenn St. School go to Woodbridge Rural Centre for 2 weeks as part of their 5th Form camp under the guidance of their hapless teacher, Mr Hedges.

There is the token Hells Angel - scared of the dark and armed with his teddy-bear, the obligatory 'tough as nails' leader, the poor boy who has been forced to forge his permission slip in order to go on the camp, and the black prankster, all of whom push their teacher to the limit. The latter for instance provokes trouble for the floundering Mr. Hedges by remarking "he's nice to us...you know the white ones", leading to an economy of laughs over Mr. Hedges supposed white-supremacist, sexist ways - "You make me ashamed to be English/Little Hitler!" which almost costs the love-inept teacher the relationship he strikes at the end of the film.

The Fenn St. Students are pranksters who just keep getting their teacher shot in the neck from just about anybody - the camp owners, the gypsies, the school administration and the boys parents! For instance, upon arriving at the camp he tiredly heads over to the local pub, only to find the kids he had just 'tucked in' indulging in some lagers in the back room! More comedy is assured when the students get into fights and stand-offs with other schools at the camp, most notable of course the grammar school boys. Man, we even a bit of class animosity within this film!

The movie, I found quite funny, though for means of any comparison, I have not seen the original series. The acting was very serviceable for the subject material and because the humor is a bit dated (or not as consistently applied as in most teen movies made today) it would go down well with people of all ages, though I'm sure that at the time it was marketed at teens, for there is of course also a little of that clichéd sexual-tension-between-students-while-at-camp scenario. There are so many off-shoots of comedy that, coupled with the music, I almost expected Sid James to pop in!

The film also possesses a composition of stereotypical opposites that proves more fun. Take the elderly janitor Mr. Potter for instance. Just about to get into a car he pleads with post-war zeal "Let me sir, I've driven tanks sir!". There are the gypsies of course, misunderstood by Mr. Hedges when he approaches them saying "I have come in peace/can I speak to your head Chieftain?" and there is the illiterate underclass father of the boy who forged his parent's signature, who rather than reveal his shortcomings by signing a release form, let's his son stay!

The movie was made in '71 so of course it is resplendent with the odd mini-skirt and garish blue eye-shadow! See it - its good. You've got to love all these British films. The Carry On series, Not Only But Also etc. John Alderton reminds me of Paul McCartney, but that's just by the way.

I can't say enough about how wonderful I think this film, and the TV series is. It is just so incredibly FUNNY! All your fave characters are in it - Hedges, played by John Alderton is as gorgeous as ever (yes, I do like him!), Potter the caretaker is played by the hilarious Deryck Guyler and the hopeless headmaster Cromwell is played by Noel Howlett. Not forgetting the pupils of 5C of course! This is a must for all fans of the show, and it explains how Bernard met Penny for the first time. All teachers must watch this film! EVERYONE must watch this film!

Highly under-rated British comedy with many memorable characterisations, not a bad script, and a wonderful feel-good factor.

John Alderton is pretty much faultless as Hedges - this is fine comic acting.

Especially enjoyable if you grew up in the 1970s. Standout sequence for me is when Hedges (and we) think 5c have gone to bed for the night and he heads off to the pub with Price... only to bump into his pupils there. Nicely done.

Other amusing sequences also, and I can sum up the film using an expression of Dennis's (one of the characters)... "Yeah! Double NEAT!!"

I attended comprehensive schools and the behaviour of pupils reflect the antics this film tries to portray. I thoroughly enjoyed this film it brought back many fond memories of another decade,