It followed wildcat schoolgirls who stop at nothing to get what they want. Four films followed through to the final one in 1980. Rupert Everett re-introduced the series in 2007, executive producing and starring in a dual role in St. Trinian’s, just out on DVD. 23 year old Talulah Riley stars as an innocent sent to the nefarious place. We spoke with Riley who is currently shooting the sequel, St. Trinian’s: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold.
AB – The original St. Trinian’s films were total landmarks. Did you know the series?
TR - I’d seen the old black and white films on TV on Sunday afternoons and my parents used to say “You’re such a St Trinian’s girl!’. When I was little, I’d come home with one shoe missing and my hat flying off my head or covered with mud. I was very aware of it; it is just something you're told about. I watched it with them and they were laughing and enjoying it. They loved Rupert Everett; he was fantastic in drag as the headmistress. He was so convincing and so attractive in a weird way. Those teeth! Funnily enough, he looks like a lot of English women look like that!
AB – Is the level of naughtiness up to the original?
TR - I thought about that. In the original films the girls were in their thirties and the outfits were quite shocking, bras and that sort of thing. The original idea of naughty school girl way innocent way than today’s associations, that’s original. The producers were very concerned abut getting the balance right because it’s a children’s film, a family film. There are jokes for adults kids don’t get. That’s the lovely balance. But let’s not forget the term “naughty school’ girl came from the original films.
AB - You’re in nearly every scene – did you feel it was a big responsibility at the time?
TR - Luckily no or I would have panicked. I was only conscious of trying to do a good job and excited to work with such a great cast (including Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, and supermodel Lily Cole). It was such fun. There were a lot of young girls and we were dressed up every morning and hair and when it was time to shoot we were giggly and excited. The estrogen was just flowing and bouncing off the walls. Everyone was on their toes. You can't explain. The girls were all so unusual and eclectic. It was like a party. I'm afraid I can't claim that it was difficult. I was very privileged to be there.
AB – These are so different in tone and style from US teen movies. Will it work in North America?
TR - It is intrinsically English, about English eccentricity. I hope it will carry over and that they’ll get the humour. One worries that it will be misunderstood. We were raised here on the Ealing comedies, like the original St Trinian’s, The Lavender Hill Mob. We really understand it. And I’m not sure our film is like the typical American high school movie.
AB - There are a lot of British stars who aren’t that well known here, like the band Girls Aloud. Who are they?
TR - Girls Aloud are HUGE in England, beloved by every 12 year old girl in the country. I’m not into it but I think they were formed on one of the TV reality shows. And they had hit after hit after hit.
AB - We’re certainly learning a lot about Russell Brand, who also stars.
TR - There are a couple of things Britons are really good for, one is pop music, and the other is comedy. And Russell’s a very talented comedian. He gave us so much to work with; we were rolling around on the ground laughing. He was so much fun!
AB - What’s the sequel story?
TR - It’s still girl power and this time they want to save the school from bankrupcty. They get involved with the all male AD1, a group like the Illuminati and an old pirate’s legend about a treasure. So we go on a treasure hunt with boats and swords. So it’s a big spoof on The Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter flms!
Once Riley finishes work on St. Trinian’s: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold, she heads to Los Angeles to shoot scenes for Christopher Nolan’s new film. She says they have changed the name so often she’s not sure what it’s called or if it’s meant to be a secret. In any case, she’s not telling. So naughty!
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