Top of the Form is a 1953 British comedy film directed by John Paddy Carstairs and starring Ronald Shiner, Anthony Newley and Harry Fowler. The film draws inspiration from Will Hay's 1937 classic Good Morning, Boys. The film was released in black-and-white.
It was made at Pinewood Studios near London with sets designed by the art director Maurice Carter. The film earned billings of £143,000.
Plot summary
This story explores a bookmaker Ronnie Fortescue (Ronald Shiner), who becomes headmaster of a boys' school, and of his and his pupil's adventures in passing examinations and on a subsequent free trip to Paris. Once in Paris, headmaster and pupils become embroiled in gambling casinos, and in a plot to steal the French Crown Jewels.
Cast
Ronald Shiner as Professor Ronnie Fortescue
Anthony Newley as Percy
Harry Fowler as Albert
Jacqueline Pierreux as Yvette
Alfie Bass as Arty Jones
Mary Jerrold as Mrs. Bagshot
Richard Wattis as Willoughby Gore
Howard Marion-Crawford as Dickson
Roland Curram as Terence
Terence Mitchell as Clarence
Gerald Campion as Pugley
Oscar Quitak as Septimus
Kynaston Reeves as The Dean
Martin Benson as Cliquet
Graham Stark as Wilson
Hal Osmond as Barber
Danny Green as Bookies thug
Melvyn Hayes as Schoolboy with glasses
Ronnie Corbett as Student (uncredited) Ronan O'Casey as Brother Naomi Chance as Northern Woman On Station Andreas Malandrinos as Museum Concierge
Critical reception
The Radio Times called it a "misfiring Ronald Shiner vehicle...Less amusing than (Will) Hay's St Michael's outings and less anarchic than the St Trinian's romps, this efficient but underwhelming caper is all too typical of its director, John Paddy Carstairs": whereas TV Guide hailed "An entertaining comedy."