As a fourth (and I'm happy to say last) generation public school boy this story is familiar territory, although by the time I attended 'fagging' and beating at least were things of the past. No doubt my contempt for the whole system explains why 'If' is one of my favourites movies!
I'm saving up to write about If.... (1968) for a later post. It's actually rather misunderstood. Lindsay Anderson was not only Senior Prefect at Cheltenham College, but Cadet Under Officer in the Corps. And he saw If.... (1968) as really more of a surreal black comedy, even an 'affectionate' portrayal of his old school- a school, incidentally, I went to myself. A view, the headmaster of Cheltenham, David Ashcroft, didn't exactly share. LOL. There are photographs of Lindsay Anderson in his Old Cheltonian Tie. So... as things so often are, the whole thing is so much more complicated... not exactly black and white.
Thanks. I don't think you get any of that watching If.... (68)! Only discovered that reading up on Anderson. But it's SUCH a brilliant film. One of the best British films of the '60s.
As a fourth (and I'm happy to say last) generation public school boy this story is familiar territory, although by the time I attended 'fagging' and beating at least were things of the past. No doubt my contempt for the whole system explains why 'If' is one of my favourites movies!
I'm saving up to write about If.... (1968) for a later post. It's actually rather misunderstood. Lindsay Anderson was not only Senior Prefect at Cheltenham College, but Cadet Under Officer in the Corps. And he saw If.... (1968) as really more of a surreal black comedy, even an 'affectionate' portrayal of his old school- a school, incidentally, I went to myself. A view, the headmaster of Cheltenham, David Ashcroft, didn't exactly share. LOL. There are photographs of Lindsay Anderson in his Old Cheltonian Tie. So... as things so often are, the whole thing is so much more complicated... not exactly black and white.
Clearly I need to watch it again! Looking forward to your take, Luke
Thanks. I don't think you get any of that watching If.... (68)! Only discovered that reading up on Anderson. But it's SUCH a brilliant film. One of the best British films of the '60s.
Added a couple to my watchlist (I've seen most of the films discussed - and lately I've been distracted with a personal Glynis Johns festival)
My father was a Guinea Pig.