Act One: The Sap. Act Two: The Zapped.
That is the format of this British comedy about a milquetoast who gets his game together and takes charge of his life-personal and professionally, with the help of the titled school, located where, as you follow the pointing signs, take you across the railroad tracks and hidden far from society. It seems he has lost his girl, has been ripped off by an automobile sales company and beaten at tennis by the gap-tooth lothario who stole his girl. He finds revenge is not only sweet but funny as he turns his life around and makes the move to win back everything he has lost (including his dignity) back while teaching those who took advantage a lesson they'll never forget.
Watching poor Ian Carmichael get swindled (whether buying the exotic car that resembles "Chity Chitty Bang Bang's" sick uncle or being humiliated at every turn by the droll Terry-Thomas) is hysterical, but seeing him reverse everything to his favor is sweet revenge for everyone who has ever gone through similar situations. When Carmichael gets his revenge (most innocently) on Thomas by turning him into a raging nervous Nancy by delaying their tennis date, Thomas's slow burn is delightful. Carmichael and Thomas play very well off of each other, and the dialog is downright hysterical. The use of British locations add tremendously to the credibility of the plot and make it so much more fun. Add to that the pleasure of Alistair Sim ("A Christmas Carol") as the schoolmaster who teaches Carmichael the art of getting even.
3 out of 4 found this helpful