Movie: Vice Versa

 

James Robertson Justice, the actor who was born to play an English schoolmaster (we met him here in A French Mistress), enjoys himself tremendously as the headmaster in the 1948 version of the movie Vice Versa.

It was the third screen adaptation of the 1882 novel Vice Versa by F. Anstey.

Paul, a wealthy stockbroker, cannot understand why his eldest son Dick is reluctant to return to boarding school after a holiday. Paul recalls the carefree days of his youth and casually wishes he could take Dick’s place. As a result of a magic spell, he finds himself looking just like his son. When Dick realizes what has happened, the neglected boy uses his wish to take on his father’s appearance, eager to enjoy the perks of being an adult.

Dick cheerfully sends his protesting father off to school, while he throws parties, flirts with Alice, the maid, and even carries on with his father’s girlfriend Fanny Verlayne.

James Robertson Justice plays Dr. Grimstone and a young Anthony Newley, Dick.

Picture and video credits: Two Cities Films (available to buy on DVD).

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