School for Scoundrels (1960)

Endlessly finding himself on the wrong end of a situation, businessman Henry Palfrey seeks help at the College of Lifemanship run by the cunning Mr. Potter. An ideal pupil, it doesn't take long before Henry's picked up a few good tricks and sets out to show the world he's a winner. Taking aim at everyone who beat him in the past, he ultimately focuses on the ultra-charming bachelor who stole his girlfriend. As he discovers revenge can be quite enjoyable, the much improved Henry will soon learn what it really means to be a success.

I cannot remember how many times I have watched this film now - it takes me back to a time of charming English etiquette which, being too young, I never witnessed. The range of social situations through which we are taken in the apprenticeship of 'Lifemanship' are hilarious, and in a gentle and exquisitely-understated way. Ian Carmichael is, of course excellent, but my all-time hero, Terry-Thomas, is on the toppest of forms delivering the "Look's like a Polish stomach pump" and "Oh I say, smashing cricket stroke" lines with his unshakeable aplomb. A nostalgic treasure of a film.