Film Movement Classics to Release ALASTAIR SIM'S SCHOOL FOR LAUGHTER, A 4-Disc Collector's Set

Perhaps best remembered as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, Scottish character actor Alastair Sim became a leading star of British cinema after spending five years as a lecturer of elocution at the University of Edinburgh. One of the best-loved and most prolific actors in classic British comedy, Sim, who often appeared in multiple roles, starred in more than fifty films beginning in 1935 and was both critically acclaimed and unfailingly popular, regularly topping the cinema-goers popularity polls. This April, courtesy of Film Movement Classics, classes are now back in session with ALASTAIR SIM'S SCHOOL FOR LAUGHTER, a seminal 4-disc Blu-ray collection spotlighting his most laughter-inducing film roles -- now digitally restored in HD for optimal viewing.

THE BELLES OF ST. TRINIAN'S (1954, directed by Frank Launder)

The schoolgirls of St. Trinian's are more interested in men and mischief than homework and hockey, but even greater trouble beckons with the arrival of two new students. Features Alastair Sim playing dual roles as the headmistress, Miss Millicent Fritton, and her twin brother, Clarence. Based on the cartoons of Ronald Searle.

SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS (1960, directed by Robert Hamer)

Henry Palfrey (Ian Carmichael) tries hard to impress but always loses out to the rotter Delauney (Terry-Thomas). Then he enrolls in the "College of Lifemanship" run by "Professor" Stephen Potter (Alastair Sim) and learns "how to win without actually cheating!" But has he the courage to put all his lessons into effect? From the director of Kind Hearts and Coronets.

LAUGHTER IN PARADISE (1951, directed by Mario Zampi)

Famed Practical joker Henry Russell (Hugh Griffith) leaves 50,000 pounds to his four surviving relatives, including his cousin, retired army officer Deniston Russell (Alastair Sim). There's just one stipulation - each of them has to undertake a task completely out of character for one month. As each sets out on their objective they find that quite apart from the promised riches, they are unexpectedly getting a lot out of the challenge. All except caddish Simon Russell, that is. Released in 1951, Laughter In Paradise was Britain's top-grossing film. Watch carefully and see a young Audrey Hepburn in a bit part as a cigarette girl.

HUE AND CRY (1947, directed by Charles Crichton)

The first of the Ealing Studios "comedies." After discovering that his favorite comic is being used to send messages between a master criminal and his gang of thieves, teenager Joe Kirby (Harry Fowler) sets out to alert writer Felix Wilkinson (Alastair Sim) and turn the page on the crooks.

BONUS FEATURES

THE BELLES OF ST. TRINIAN'S

• The Girls of St. Trinian's featurette
• Interview with film historian Geoff Brown
• Interview with Dr. Melanie Williams, Sr. Lecturer in Film Studies, UEA
• Interview with Alastair Sim's Daughter, Meredith McKendrick
• Interview with Steve Chibnall, Professor of British Cinema, De Montfort University

SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS

• Interview with Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw
• Interview with Graham McCann, Terry-Thomas biographer
• Interview with Chris Potter, Stephen Potter's grandson
• School for Scoundrels restored trailer

HUE AND CRY

• Interview with Steve Chibnall, Prof. of British Cinema, De Montfort U.
• Locations Featurette

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Type: Blu-ray (New Digital Restorations)

Running Time: 365 Total minutes

Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 Original Aspect Ratio: THE BELLES OF ST. TRINIAN'S, LAUGHTER IN PARADISE, HUE AND CRY ; 1.66:1 Original Aspect Ratio: SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS

Audio: Mono

To post a comment, you must register and login.