Over the top portrayal of cockney Londoners, generally exaggerated but then again it is a comedy and a rather enjoyable one at that. Particularly the diversity among the students, well in appearance at least and of course some of the tricks and one liners.
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The kids would be about 16; until recently in the UK the year numbering in schools started at 1 again at the age of 11, so if the class was 5C (is that right - it's a long time since I saw the film) that would make them in the 5th year and therefore 15-16 years old.
I think this is a fun film, quite dated now, but very British and a nice comedy to watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
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Only Malcolm McFee (Peter Craven) was in his teens when series one was shot. The rest were in their mid-twenties. A couple were nearly 30 by the time the Fenn Street gang ended.
And yes, being in the fifth year meant they were supposed to be 16.
I seem to remember all lot of the teenage characters in West side story were actually nearing their thirties. The actor playing Bernard was 27
shareTo make the pushing-30 actors even more anachronistic-looking, the minimum school leaving age was - at the time of Please Sir - 15. Kids at secondary modern schools like Fenn St were not intended for further education but for the workforce. The min leaving age was raised to 16 in 1973 when comprehensive education was introduced. So, playing 14-15 year olds, the Fenn St lot were probably the oldest teenagers on film ever - until Grease came along...
None of this detracts from how much I enjoy it. Definitely one of the better film spin-offs in the 70s.
When morning comes twice a day or not at all
I love this film, they don't do comedies like these anymore.
Bolters boy: "Ignore him Malcolm - would you pass the jam please?"
5C: "Ooohh! Ig-NORE him Malcolm - would you pass the jam PLEEAASSEE?"
I know in the great scheme of things it isn't the best film in the world but it's certainly my favourite film of all time. It's my total feelgood flick and there isn't a time I've watched it that I haven't been totally entertained. Frankie Abbott's lines are classic.
70's goodness all round.