This is one of the worst films I ever saw. Truly. Without question.
Now I've never been to New Zealand, but I was a teacher and school administrator for 33 years, and I cannot believe that any school anywhere would operate the way the school operates in this film It's patently ridiculous. The way the teacher talks back to the administrators...also patently ridiculous.
The only thing more ridiculous than the portrayal of the school is the acting. Particularly that of Laurence Harvey. Based only on this film, I'd say Harvey was a pompous buffoon who overacted to the max. As evidence -- the singing scene and the drunk scene. Based on Harvey's acting alone, it is no wonder that this film was a total flop at the box office. I wonder, when playing in the theatres, did the audience laugh out loud at some of the dramatic scenes? Shirley MacLaine's acting is better, but her situation is so foolish that it ruins her acting. And I saw that as someone who generally likes Ms. MacLaine.
More interesting is Jack Hawkins. At least he appeared to be able to act in this drivel.
There is only one reason to watch this film -- to see just how bad a movie can actually be. Charles Walters had been a fairly notable director, but faded quickly after this and a couple of other films, down to making television films, and then down further to nothing. I can see why.
Laughable trash.
Now I've never been to New Zealand, but I was a teacher and school administrator for 33 years, and I cannot believe that any school anywhere would operate the way the school operates in this film It's patently ridiculous. The way the teacher talks back to the administrators...also patently ridiculous.
The only thing more ridiculous than the portrayal of the school is the acting. Particularly that of Laurence Harvey. Based only on this film, I'd say Harvey was a pompous buffoon who overacted to the max. As evidence -- the singing scene and the drunk scene. Based on Harvey's acting alone, it is no wonder that this film was a total flop at the box office. I wonder, when playing in the theatres, did the audience laugh out loud at some of the dramatic scenes? Shirley MacLaine's acting is better, but her situation is so foolish that it ruins her acting. And I saw that as someone who generally likes Ms. MacLaine.
More interesting is Jack Hawkins. At least he appeared to be able to act in this drivel.
There is only one reason to watch this film -- to see just how bad a movie can actually be. Charles Walters had been a fairly notable director, but faded quickly after this and a couple of other films, down to making television films, and then down further to nothing. I can see why.
Laughable trash.