If.... (1968)

In this allegorical story, a revolution led by pupil Mick Travis takes place at an old established private school in England.

Director:

Lindsay Anderson

Writers:

David Sherwin (screenplay), David Sherwin (original script: "Crusaders")

Stars:

Malcolm McDowell, David Wood, Richard Warwick

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 1 win & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Malcolm McDowell	...	Mick: Crusaders
David Wood	...	Johnny: Crusaders
Richard Warwick	...	Wallace: Crusaders
Christine Noonan	...	The Girl: Crusaders
Rupert Webster	...	Bobby Philips: Crusaders
Robert Swann	...	Rowntree: Whips
Hugh Thomas	...	Denson: Whips
Michael Cadman	...	Fortinbras: Whips
Peter Sproule	...	Barnes: Whips
Peter Jeffrey	...	Headmaster: Staff
Anthony Nicholls	...	General Denson: Staff
Arthur Lowe	...	Mr. Kemp: Staff
Mona Washbourne	...	Matron: Staff
Mary MacLeod	...	Mrs. Kemp: Staff (as Mary Macleod)
Geoffrey Chater	...	Chaplain: Staff

Storyline

In an indictment of the British public school system, we follow Mick and his mostly younger friends through a series of indignities and occasionally abuse as any fond feelings toward these schools are destroyed. When Mick and his friends rebel, violently, the catch phrase, "which side would you be on" becomes quite stark.

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Plot Keywords:

student rebellion | boys' school | hate | tradition | bully | 

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Taglines:

Winner "Best Film" Cannes Film Festival

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

21 May 1969 (France)

Also Known As:

If....

Filming Locations:

The Packhorse Cafe, Kensworth, United Kingdom

Company Credits

Production Co:

Memorial Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color (Eastmancolor) (uncredited)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Speech Day interior was filmed inside St John's Church on Albion Street, Cheltenham. The church was later demolished.

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Goofs

The boys order coffee at the Packhorse Café. The waitress pours the coffee into two cups and slides the cups towards the boys across the counter without spilling the coffee. Travis adds sugar to his coffee from a sugar tin. He spills some sugar and several small drops of coffee onto the counter. The spoon is left in the sugar can pointing towards the café entrance door. The boys then take their coffees away from the counter and walk towards the tables. The next shot shows the waitress standing behind the counter watching the boys. There is now a long streak of coffee on the counter which wasn't there before and the spoon in the sugar can is now pointing in a different direction. There is also no sugar spilt on the counter and no small drops of coffee either.

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Quotes

Mick Travis: I don't see what difference the speed makes... the speed of the nail...

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Crazy Credits

The film's opening prologue states: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding PROVERBS IV:7

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Alternate Versions

In the USA, the film was originally released uncut, with an X rating. However, a more commercial rating was preferred and the film was reissued with an R rating after scenes of male frontal nudity were removed from the shower scenes.

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Connections

Featured in Hollywood U.K.: A Very British Picture (1993)

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Soundtracks

Toccata, 5th Organ Symphony Opus 42 No 1
(uncredited)
Composed by Charles Marie Widor

User Reviews

Love And Anger

This glorious 1968 film is a document not just of its times but of the eternal and mysterious communion between two enormous artists. Lindsay Anderson, the director, the mentor, the older man and Malcolm McDowell his young, brilliant, loving disciple. The trust between this two men is overwhelming and the results are in every frame in every nuance. For me, to see this film after many years was a remarkable emotional experience. Daring, visionary with a Malcolm McDowell that broke new ground with the fearlessness of an explorer venturing into totally virgin territory. Brilliant, beautiful, unique. Lead by the magical hand of Anderson and McDowell we confront the anger of the artists with their love for each other. Wow!