2hotFeature one of my absolute favorites!

ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

Ploydsge just watch it!

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

mark.waltz The inmates are running the asylum in this very funny British comedy about an all girl's school in which the students run rings around the not so rosy teachers who couldn't control them with a chair and a whip. Yes, Alastair Sim's Miss Fritton might look like a more showered version of "Matilda's" Miss Trunchbull, but she has the discipline capacity of a kitten. Indeed, Alastair Sims is in drag here, as well as playing Miss Fritton's brother, a rather sordid fellow with ties to a horse racing syndicate. When the brother learns that a Muslim princess has become a student, he brings his expelled daughter (the student ringleader) back, using his family ties to get sister to forgive her niece and take her back. Unbeknownst to the faculty, a police officer in disguise as a new teacher has arrived, and it is the seemingly prim and proper Joyce Grenfell who uses liberal forms of education to try to keep the girls in line but finds even that method cannot control these heathens who are desperate to make some cash from the local horse racing syndicate themselves. This brings in a criminal element when a valuable horse is stolen by the girls, but never underestimate the power of hundreds of screaming teens as they set their sites on increasing their paltry bank accounts.It is the performances here which are quite more memorable than the film itself which runs about 15 minutes too long and isn't quite as funny as I hoped it would be. Certainly, Sim is superb, a comic genius even in playing humorless officials in other films, and of course, best known for arguably the most popular version of "A Christmas Carol". He fortunately does not overplay the femininity of Miss Fritton or camp it up, so he simply just looks like a rather large, eccentric British matron. Grenfell, an actress I've caught in a few movies and tremendously enjoyed, underplays her part as well, although I missed her eccentric voice that she utilized in other films. That aspect alone shows her versatility, although on occasion, you can catch a glimpse of that part of her personality. She knew that this was a straight role, so she kept that aspect of her acting chops out of it. Still, memories of those other films (and an imitation of her by Kaye Ballard on "The Mothers-in-Law") prevail. so Grenfell is an actress quite worth exploring. Some of the other well known British character actors really are just part of the ensemble including Beryl Reid, deliciously teaching her students geography through the history of champagne, and a very masculine made up Hermoine Baddeley, but it is the ensemble of girls (one of whom is drawn and quartered in an attempt to get information from) who get the most laughs in addition to Sim and Grenfell.

JohnHowardReid Copyright 1955 by Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat Productions. U.S. release through Associated Artists: 5 January 1955. New York opening at the Plaza: 22 December 1954. U.K. release through British Lion: 15 November 1954. London trade show: 2 September 1954. London premiere at the Gaumont Haymarket: 1 October 1954. Australian release through London Films/Universal-International: 5 May 1955. 8,190 feet. 91 minutes. SYNOPSIS: Crooked bookies try to waylay a famous racehorse, but their plot is foiled by the alert gambling girls of St Trinian's. NOTES: One of the U.K. box-office's top ten successes of 1954, the film did less well in Australia (not even placing in the top thirty for 1955).COMMENT: This is the first of four films inspired by the anarchic cartoons of Ronald Searle. The others: Blue Murder at St Trinian's (1957), The Pure Hell of St Trinian's (1960), The Great St Trinian's Train Robbery (1966). All were produced by Frank Launder and Sidney Gilliat. Like all the others, this first attempt is something of a disappointment to those of us who relish the macabre humor and anti-Establishment content of the cartoons. In fact the film nowhere comes near the malicious wit and fiendish humor devised by Searle. All the same, on its more elemental and routine level of bucket-on-the-head slapstick, it does produce its fair quota of diverting moments. (Odd to see Ronald Searle and his wife giving their imprimatur to the proceedings by appearing on camera as a couple of irate parents). The players, fortunately, are first rate, taking their cue from Alastair Sim who produces a delightfully fruity performance in his dual role. Other favorites who distinguish themselves here are Joyce Grenfell, Hermione Baddeley and the wonderfully lop-sided George Cole (invariably accompanied by a deliciously amusing musical motif from Malcolm Arnold's orchestra).

TheLittleSongbird I have always loved this film, it is a comedy classic I think. There may be those who find the humour more cosy than chaotic, but I cannot deny the humour is wonderful and never ceases to make me laugh. With a great script, cast and sight gags this is a wonderful film that never fails to cheer me up when I'm not happy.The Belles of St. Trinians is very nicely filmed, the cinematography is lovely and the scenery, buildings and costumes are great to look at. The music is also a nice touch, while the story while admittedly thin to some is engaging and suitably anarchic. The sight gags are inspired and hilarious, the script is deft and funny and the direction is playful. The acting is also really good, Alastair Sim is on sparkling form as Mrs Fritton and George Cole is excellent as Flash Harry. Joyce Grenfall though is the one who comes very close to stealing the show, who is delightfully dippy as Sergeant Gates.Overall, a great film and just great fun. 10/10 Bethany Cox

sandall Alistair Simms inspired portrayal of Miss Fritton transcends drag. It is one of the great comedy characters in film. Equally wonderful is Joyce Grenfell's character - Ruby Gates.This is a movie you should curl up on the sofa with on a wet Sunday's afternoon and be transported to a time long ago when terrifying, rampaging school girls only gained our respect - not our ire! I hear that a remake is in the offing with Rupert Everett as Miss Fritton? He will have a hard job competing with the master - or should that be mistress? - Alistair Simms.Go and rent it - it beats so much of what today goes for comedy.