A very attractive French teacher (mistress) is recruited at the last minute to teach at a middle class all boy's public school. Her arrival causes not only the testosterone levels of the boys to rise, but also the son of the headmaster, who quickly becomes besotted by the new 'French mistress.' Although it's terribly dated in today's world of 'sexual liberalism,' the light touch comedy skills of Cecil Parker, the headmaster, and the roguish housemaster, played by James Robertson Justice, are something to be savoured, as they try to preserve the 'moral decency' of their all male conservative bastion of privilege. Special mention must be made of the marvellous character actor, Raymond Huntley, cast as the self righteous and snooty Reverend Edwin Peake, as well as the delightful, Irene Handl, who plays the 'no nonsense, plain talking, head cook, ex - staff Sgt. Hodges, whose food at best can be described as 'basic.' However, it's a film which revolves around the wonderful Cecil Parker, whose mannerisms, facial expressions and a constant exasperated voice, makes it a joy to watch.
Review of A French Mistress
