Archive notice: This article was originally published on June 11, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
St. Trinian’s girls’ boarding school is notorious for its unorthodox, anarchic teaching methods—and is on the brink of bankruptcy. That suits Geoffrey Thwaites (Colin Firth) perfectly. As the new Minister of Education, he wants to erase this disgrace from the map of England by any means necessary.
But he has not reckoned with the rebellious pupils. Led by eccentric headmistress and Thwaites’s former flame Camilla Fritton (Rupert Everett), they devise a wild plan. While the glamorous trio Chloe (Antonia Bernath), Chelsea (Tamsin Egerton) and Peaches (Amara Karan) defend St. Trinian’s intellectual honor in a quiz at the National Gallery, the fearless girls around Kelly (Gemma Arterton) and Annabelle (Talulah Riley) use the show for another purpose: in a daring operation above the audience’s heads, they steal Jan Vermeer’s famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” But can this united girl power save the school from closure?
$$$$
Directed by Barnaby Thompson and Oliver Parker (“An Ideal Husband,” “The Importance of Being Earnest”), Ronald Searle’s 1940s cartoon series “St. Trinian’s” receives a pitch-black revival. Rupert Everett (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”) shines in the ingenious dual role of quick-witted headmistress Camilla Fritton and her brother Carnaby. He is joined by comedy veteran Colin Firth (“Bridget Jones’s Diary”), James Bond star Caterina Murino (“Casino Royale”) and Lena Headey (“300”). The girls include newcomer Talulah Riley (“Pride & Prejudice”), Amara Karan (“The Darjeeling Limited”), “The O.C.” star Mischa Barton and new Bond girl Gemma Arterton. Together they deliver a showcase of British humor in ST. TRINIAN’S.
$$$$
The girls of St. Trinian’s fit into familiar teenage groups that work together admirably in this tale: the Geeks, the Chavs, the Posh Totties and the Emos. Under Kelly’s leadership, they combine all their abilities to save their notorious school from closure. Even shy newcomer Annabelle, who does not quite fit into any clique, becomes indispensable.
Emos are a cool young offshoot of the Goths. They express their tormented souls and sense of being misunderstood through black clothing and makeup. But Andrea’s (Paloma Faith) fighting spirit and physical commitment should not be underestimated, whether during a hockey match or the National Gallery art theft.
Geeks are the school’s high achievers. For them, brains matter more than style. Led by Polly (Lily Cole), they can crack any system—even the National Gallery’s security—and use cutting-edge technology to help the Posh Totties win the quiz.
Posh Totties are attractive, though not quite as intelligent. But by deploying their charm and feminine wiles, with energetic support from the Geeks, Chelsea, Chloe and Peaches wrap their opponents around their fingers and provide Kelly and company with the distraction needed for the big heist.
Chavs are slightly arrogant, perfectly styled and addicted to shopping. Everyone else is viewed critically at first. But when St. Trinian’s honor is at stake, leader Taylor (Kathryn Drysdale) and her girls spring into action and are willing to dirty their manicured fingernails.
Further Links:
- More information
