School for Scoundrels (1960)

School for Scoundrels has its good and bad, a bit light on laughs.Each character is likable and the premise is good. There is just too much nonsense for me. The turn around in the tennis match, going from winning without barely moving to then losing 6-0. The dealership trading the car back, because he simply says some things. Janette Scott's jaw-dropping beauty helps the film significantly, but it really is just not clever enough. Why would Thomas's character go to the lifemanship college at the end, when he already displayed it to begin with. This is a case of wasted talent I believe.

In a sense School For Scoundrels was years ahead of its time because today what Alastair Sim was be doing would be called motivational speaking. I'd hate to think what he could be charging today for his self improvement lectures. Ian Carmichael has some self esteem issues, he just thinks he's a loser in the game of life. Most especially a pretty girl he literally ran into played by Janette Scott is being given a first class rush by that cad Terry-Thomas.I think you can figure what happens after Carmichael takes a few courses at Sim's College of Oneupmanship. Just see the two contrasting tennis games that are played by the rivals.Terry-Thomas with that rakish mustache is so perfect when burlesques Snidely Whiplash like villains on the screen. And Norman Vincent Peale might have approved of Sim's take on the power of positive thinking. Not exactly what Peale had in mind, but much more fun.

Act One: The Sap. Act Two: The Zapped.That is the format of this British comedy about a milquetoast who gets his game together and takes charge of his life-personal and professionally, with the help of the titled school, located where, as you follow the pointing signs, take you across the railroad tracks and hidden far from society. It seems he has lost his girl, has been ripped off by an automobile sales company and beaten at tennis by the gap-tooth lothario who stole his girl. He finds revenge is not only sweet but funny as he turns his life around and makes the move to win back everything he has lost (including his dignity) back while teaching those who took advantage a lesson they'll never forget.Watching poor Ian Carmichael get swindled (whether buying the exotic car that resembles "Chity Chitty Bang Bang's" sick uncle or being humiliated at every turn by the droll Terry-Thomas) is hysterical, but seeing him reverse everything to his favor is sweet revenge for everyone who has ever gone through similar situations. When Carmichael gets his revenge (most innocently) on Thomas by turning him into a raging nervous Nancy by delaying their tennis date, Thomas's slow burn is delightful. Carmichael and Thomas play very well off of each other, and the dialog is downright hysterical. The use of British locations add tremendously to the credibility of the plot and make it so much more fun. Add to that the pleasure of Alistair Sim ("A Christmas Carol") as the schoolmaster who teaches Carmichael the art of getting even.

Henry Palfrey is one of life's bridesmaids. Nothing ever is in his control. His work is a case in point. He is the boss of an unidentified London family firm but his long-serving deputy makes all the decisions for him. He meets the beautiful April Smith (well, actually he knocks her over running for a bus) and takes her for dinner. But even that doesn't run smoothly as his deputy has wrinkled his nose at his choice of eatery and has, presumably, deliberately got his name wrong for the reservation. Ultimately, his great rival Raymond Delauney, who is a suave and sophisticated lounge lizard takes control of the situation and woos April successfully. Even buying a car results in being ripped-off for some awful old banger. However, upon successfully attending a residential course in the West Country about how to get your revenge, Palfrey turns the tables on everyone and wins the heart of April.One of my favourite films. It is a joy to watch, it is well crafted and hearkens back to a less congested, more innocent way of life. Perfect Saturday afternoon on the sofa material.