Watch School for Scoundrels

Set in London, School for Scoundrels is a classic British comedy film from 1960 directed by Robert Hamer. The movie stars Ian Carmichael as Henry Palfrey, a well-meaning, but downtrodden bachelor who is constantly taken advantage of by everyone around him. Palfrey's life takes a turn for the better when he enrolls in the School of Lifemanship, a program run by the sly and unscrupulous Mr. S. Potter, played by Terry-Thomas.

The School of Lifemanship, which promises to turn its students into successful, confident individuals, is filled with a motley crew of characters, from the socially awkward and insecure to the downright eccentric. The lessons at the school include how to impress women, gain the upper hand in business negotiations, and generally manipulate others to get what you want. Instructors use various unconventional methods, including dueling practice and hypnosis, to train their students.

Henry Palfrey initially struggles with the overly aggressive and cut-throat approach of the School of Lifemanship, but eventually finds his footing and begins to use his newfound skills to advance his own goals. Of course, this success also leads to a number of complications and misunderstandings, including a love triangle between Henry, the beautiful April Smith (Janette Scott), and the dastardly Raymond Delauney (Peter Jones).

One of the standout performances in the film comes from Alastair Sim, who plays the role of Stephen Potter's arch-rival, the so-called "Headmaster" of the School of Lifemanship. Sim is hilarious as the pompous and self-important character, who is constantly trying to outdo Potter and his students. The rivalry between these two characters is one of the driving forces of the movie and is consistently entertaining.

The film also benefits from its sharp and witty script, which is full of clever one-liners and memorable moments. The banter between the characters is sharp and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. The humor is often based on the absurdity of the situations, as well as the contrast between the polished, sophisticated veneer of the lifemanship students and the chaotic reality of their lives.

Overall, School for Scoundrels is a delightful and entertaining comedy that has stood the test of time. The film is a perfect showcase for some of the greatest comedic talents of the era, and it remains a classic example of the British comedy genre. From the charming performances to the witty script, there's something here for audiences of all ages to enjoy. Whether you're a fan of classic films or just looking for a good laugh, this movie is not to be missed.

School for Scoundrels is a 1960 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.