| Fun at St. Fanny's | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Maurice Elvey |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Eric Cross |
| Edited by | Robert Jordan Hill |
| Music by | Edwin Astley |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | British Lion(UK) |
Release dates |
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Running time | 80 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Fun at St. Fanny's is a 1955 Britishcomedy film directed byMaurice Elvey and starringFred Emney,Cardew Robinson andVera Day.[1] The film revolves around the teachers and students at St Fanny'sprivate school. It was based on Robinson's "Cardew the Cad" character which he created in 1942 and was featured in the BBC'sVariety Bandbox programme.[2]
Cardew the Cad is a 25-year-old pupil at St. Fanny's school who will inherit a fortune unless he is expelled, when the cash will go to the school. Headmaster Dr. Septimus Jankers tries to get Cardew expelled by framing him for a robbery committed by a gang of villains. But his plan is foiled by Maisie, sister of one of the crooks, who has fallen in love with Cardew.
The film's sets were designed byart directorNorman G. Arnold.[3]
The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "The talents of excellent music-hall performers (Fred Emney and Miriam Karlin) and able character actors (Vera Day, Gerald Campion, Claude Hulbert) are atrophied by the wretched story and puerile dialogue of this depressing farce."[4]
Variety wrote: "A straggling story, set in a boy's college, shows a harassed headmaster dodging pressing creditors. Humor is labored and the stock situations handed out with an edge of vulgarity showing nothing new in idea or treatment, utilizing all the immature antics of uncontrollable youngsters. ... Cardew Robinson, vaude-tv comic, plays himself in the role of protracted adolescent, making a play for the femme staff and extracting many laughs. Miriam Karlin handles the tough female teacher assignment realistically while Gabrielle Brune is the school matron. Vera Day swings a pretty hip as the bookie's chiselling sister. Claude Hulbert contributes his customary fatuous pose as a junior master. Freddie Mills, ex-boxing champ, and Davy Kaye represent the seamy side of the racetrack with conviction."[5]
The Standard called it "the British school joke stretched almost to infinity."[6]
InBritish Sound Films: The Studio Years 1928–1959David Quinlan rated the film as "poor", writing: "Competent cast routed by what must be one of film history's worst comedy screenplays."[7]