St Trinian's

Oliver Parker (2007)

96min

bbfc_rating|parental_guidance Certificate

Review

Our Score

by Jamie Russell

Cartoonist Ronald Searle's most famous creation - the chaotic girls' boarding school that gave rise to the series of hit films in the 1950s and 60s - makes a surprisingly successful comeback in this amusing revamp. Directors Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson have updated the school for modern audiences, blending the traditions of dorms and jolly hockey sticks with more contemporary youth culture. Talulah Riley heads the young cast as Annabelle, the new girl who overcomes introductory torment to lead the St Trinian's girls on a mission to save the establishment from closure. Rupert Everett plays both her father and, like Alastair Sim in the original movies, the dotty headmistress, Miss Fritton. Meanwhile Russell Brand takes on the George Cole role as Flash Harry and there's support from Colin Firth as the minister of education. The sketch-like comedy works better than the overall story, but it's still lively fun for teenagers.

Summary

An anarchic girls' boarding school is threatened with closure, owing to financial difficulties and a strict education minister determined to clean up its bad reputation. The pupils realise their hapless teachers are unable to deal with the crisis, so plan to save the day by dabbling in art theft. Comedy, starring Rupert Everett in a dual role alongside Colin Firth, Russell Brand and Gemma Arterton.

Cast & Crew

Miss Fritton / Carnaby Fritton Rupert Everett

Geoffrey Thwaites Colin Firth

Miss Dickinson Lena Headey

Beverly Jodie Whittaker

Annabelle Talulah Riley

Kelly Gemma Arterton

Flash Harry Russell Brand

JJ French Mischa Barton

Miss Bagstock Anna Chancellor

Matron Celia Imrie

Stephen Fry Stephen Fry

Bursar Toby Jones

Miss Maupassant Caterina Murino

Chelsea Tamsin Egerton

Peaches Amara Karan

Verity Thwaites Lucy Punch

Miss Cleaver Fenella Woolgar

Polly Lily Cole

Taylor Kathryn Drysdale

Andrea Paloma Faith

Director Oliver Parker

Director Barnaby Thompson

Other Information

Language: EnglishColourTheatrical distributor: EntertainmentGuidance: Violence, edited for language.Available on: DVD and Blu-rayReleased on: 21 Dec 2007

Comedy

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