As Belas de St. Trinian

I remember seeing this movie on U.S. Television way before Monty Python or Benny Hill. This was my introduction to British Comedy. I had not seen the film for about 25 years until I found it on video. It was just as funny as when I saw it as a child!

It's funny, camp and silly. I can watch it over and over again. Alistair Sim in drag in a hoot! The stereotypes are hysterical. I believe this was the film that inspired Carry-On movies, which in turn inspired other sketch comedies. If you can look past the fact that this movie is almost 50 years old, I strongly recommend getting a hold of it for some good, old-fashioned bawdy laughs!

This bright hilarious English comedy about school girl antics is a neglected gem. The significant question is where is the audience? The film is rated 10 by most voters, but how many voters is that? They don't make comedies like this anymore because the films don't get distributed or seen. I would never miss a chance to see this old art house classic again. But where are the art houses?

The Belles Of St Trinian's (1954) -

While I would have always said that the earlier St Trinian's films were the better ones, having only recently watched the reboot from 2007, I think that the first ever cinematic outing for the girls just lacked something that the newer one had (The sequel (2009) wasn't much good though) I can only assume that the following 'Blue Murder At' (1957) and 'Pure Hell Of' (1960) films were the ones that resonated with me as a younger viewer during school holidays. Those and 'The Great Train Robbery' (1966) of course, which I know was brilliant as it's the one I have seen most often.

This one was a bit of a simple story and the girls didn't seem to be as united as they later became, so it was difficult to know whose side to be on?

With the Rupert Everett ones, the girls are all working together to keep the school running, in order to continue their shenanigans unhampered, but this film had them all broken in to factions against the headmistress and each other, in a selfish way, which didn't show them at their best.

Alistair Sim was of course superb in the dual role of Miss Fritton and her Brother Clarence and the majority of the others did a good job too. Not to forget dear old George Cole, who will eternally be remembered as Flash Harry and how could he not be with that portrayal as good as it is.

There's no denying that it's still great fun to watch and lead the way for the others that followed admirably, as well as probably a number of other films that must surely have used this as a reference to realise genius comedy, full of innuendo for years after, but it's not my favourite of the collection.

577.22/1000.

Alistair Simms is a wonder in this. He makes such a good headmistress. The role given here for George Cole was made for him. Hence, the casting job on this film was perfect. I think it was one of those rare occasions where everything clicked. the story line was good, the comic dialogue a scream and the older prefect girls a delight!! Each character you are endeared to, even the villains. Why can't we make films like this any more. Basically, this is a very English comedy with good movement and fluidity.

the first and probably the best of the three original St. Trinian's films. What with Alastir Sim and Joyce Grenfell, this film will definitely make you laugh. however, I personally think what makes the film what it is is Flash Harry, the local cockney spiv played expertly well by George Cole. The interaction between Cole, Sim and Grenfell is magic. Flash Harry is a fantastic character and can't but make you laugh. A classic, classic film.