School for Scoundrels

The 1960 British comedy film directed by Robert Hamer, based on the "Gamesmanship" series by Stephen Potter, follows the story of Henry Palfrey (Ian Carmichael), a timid and insecure manager of a family firm in London. Constantly outmaneuvered—his senior clerk Gloatbridge (Edward Chapman) dominates company affairs, he's duped by unscrupulous car salesmen, and in his personal life, he loses the affection of April Smith (Janette Scott) to the suave and self-assured Raymond Delauney (Terry-Thomas). In desperation, Henry enrolls at the "College of Lifemanship," run by Mr. S. Potter (Alastair Sim), where students are taught the art of always being one up on others. Armed with newfound confidence and cunning, Henry returns to London, reclaims control over his business, bests Delauney in tennis, and wins back April's affection. The film blends satire of British society with humor centered on overcoming personal failures, becoming a classic of British comedy and inspiring remakes in India and the United States.