Alastair Sim The Real Belle of St Trinians

This biography contains original contributions from over 30 actors/actresses including Sir Ian McKellen, Ronnie Corbett, Ian Carmichael, Derek Fowlds, John Standing, George Cole, Stephen Fry and John Fisher (who produced a film on Alastair Sim in his series: 'Heroes of Comedy'). It is supported by extensive research including an interview with the playwright Christopher Fry, information from people who worked on the film sets with Alastair, material from the Theatre museum archives and original reviews from theatre magazines, newspapers and various other publications. It examines Alastair's roles in the Quota Quickie films of the 1930s/40s before he became established as the most idiosyncratic star of screen in such famous British comedies as The Happiest Days of Your Life and the Belles of St Trinians. It goes on to explain why his popularity suddenly waned as the cinemagoers taste for the risque evolved during the latter part of the 1950s.

Mark Simpson is a government auditor, and an Alastair Sim enthusiast.