The notorious school for young ‘ladies’ is back on the big screen with a whole host of unruly pranksters and general pandemonium. While the aim of all the students is to be as subversive as possible, the film itself excels in subversion. Rupert Everett has far too much fun as the buck-toothed principal of the school, Carmilla Fritton – who gets dressed up as Queen Elizabeth I for the school play just in case you missed the name reference. Everett also plays Carmilla’s wealthy brother who drops off his straight-laced daughter at the school so that he can continue his decadent lifestyle without distraction.
Not only is the school in financial difficulties, but the Minister for Education (Colin Firth) wants to close it down and expose all the non-curriculum-sanctioned activities. As the staff and students work together to secure money for the school to continue, the Minister is having a difficult time because he has a history with the headmistress and the sexual tension is palpable. Also, in just one of many references to other screen classics, Carmilla’s dog, Mr Darcy, keeps humping his leg.
With more drugs, sex and teenage subcultures around today than there were in the days of the original St Trinian’s, nothing is too sacred to by made fun of. Stephen Fry camps it up as a quiz show host and Mischa Barton cameos as a former head girl. Crude and lewd double entendres flourish as the ‘defenders of anarchy’ break all the rules and the audience cheers them on.
Directed by Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson, Rated M
