Tom MacLean
The first of,what became,a very popular series of post-war comedies featured a "Whose Who" of British talent of the time. Alasdair Sim pulls-off playing both the Head Mistress of the dreaded Girls public School "St.Trinians" Millicent Fritton and her dodgy Turf accountant brother "Clarence" superbly.Sim gives a stunning,convincing turn as the "female" lead'Playing it straight.Oh it could have been so "Mother Reilly" ,or "Dame Edna Everage",but Sim gives us a highly convincing portrayal of the slightly didgy "Millicent".George Cole as "Flash Harry" the post-War spiv,who lives in the school grounds, is cunning and he forms a curious allience with Miss Fritton to save the school.But then he was the schools "Boot Boy" once.With Keystone Cop finesse the local police put "Ruby Gates" (Joyce Grenfell) undercover in the school to see whats cooking.She discovers former school inspectors living in the Summer House,the theft of the famous race horse horse "Arab Boy",by the fifth form (In order to "Nobble" him),among other crimes afoot,Egged-on by her superior and fiance "Sammy"(Lloyd Lamble) Ruby,posing as a sports teacher,tries to foil the girls and Miss.Frittons schemes.Its a superb piece of fun.Launder and Gilliat know their subject well and give us an ensemble cast of majestic fruitcakes.This movie began the a beloved series of films.I think it is the best of them.the shabby,dated infamous school and its gin-brewing pupils and gin-swilling teachers is a joy to behold.Theres innocent madness in these dodgy doings.A harmless feel to the whole comedic escapade.ENJOY.
