If....

1968
R
1h 51m

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

26K

YOUR RATING

In this allegorical story, a revolution led by pupil Mick Travis takes place at an old established private school in England.

Play trailer2:31

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99+ Photos

Dark Comedy Crime Drama

In this allegorical story, a revolution led by pupil Mick Travis takes place at an old established private school in England.In this allegorical story, a revolution led by pupil Mick Travis takes place at an old established private school in England.In this allegorical story, a revolution led by pupil Mick Travis takes place at an old established private school in England.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.4/10

26K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 2 BAFTA Awards
- 2 wins & 4 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 2:31

Trailer

Photos100

+ 93

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
A British ambassador called the film "an insult to the nation". The then Lord John Brabourne read an early draft and called it "the most evil and perverted script I've ever read. It must never see the light of day".

Goofs
When Mick is standing in front of the Trueform shoe store, the camera and crew members are seen reflected in the windows of a passing bus.

Quotes
Mick Travis: One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place.

Crazy credits
The film's opening prologue states: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding PROVERBS IV:7

Alternate versions
In the USA, the film was originally released uncut, with an X rating. However, a more commercial rating was preferred and the film was reissued with an R rating after scenes of male frontal nudity were removed from the shower scenes.

Connections
Featured in Horizont (1971)

Soundtracks
Sanctus
from the "Missa Luba" (Philips Recording)
Sung by Les Troubadours du Roi Baudouin (uncredited)
Conducted by Fr. Guido Haazen O.F.M (uncredited)

User reviews198

Review

Featured review

9/10

If only they had shown this at school!!

Made in 1968, this film still made me shiver even though I started at public school in 1977. Things had changed somewhat by then, but not beyond recognition, and for sure I felt powerful echoes in this movie. By the time I left, the country was steeped in Thatcherism, and the style of self advancement that came with it was replacing the old guard watchers of 'If....' would recognise. The housemaster and headboy were 2 characters I can especially recall, but there are flashes of others in many of the characters.

When you see this film, see it as a historical satire, with first the historical atmosphere of a public school being accurately recreated, then second the satire taking form just in time to administer the purgative judgement of the surreal denouement.

There. Spoken like a public schoolboy.