01x07 - Episode 7

[bunniefuu]

MAN: Rise.

[People standing]

[Organ playing]

Look ahead to a life
worth living

Full of hope, full of faith,
full of cheer

To a life that
is made for giving

Without stint,
without shame, without fear

Look ahead
to the One who leads us

To the Lord
who guides our ways

We shall follow,
follow, follow

We shall follow Him
all our days

Captioning made possible by
Acorn Media

Parsons, you might
as well tell the truth.

You were caught red-handed.

I want to know
why you did it.

Some sort of reprisal,
was it?

Come on, you monster
of depravity!

Punitive raid, sir.

Why, Parsons?

Well, sir,

he keeps on calling
me...Hellishponk.

It gets on
my nerves, sir.

Yes. I can see
that it would.

And you felt that
this "punitive raid"

with the stink bombs

would be an appropriate
rebuke, did you?

Yes, sir.

A little bit excessive,
don't you feel?

Well, he did dye the
swimming pool red, sir.

Is this true, Pinkerton?

Yes, sir.

Sorry, sir.

I should think you are!
I hope you realize that you put

the swimming pool
out of action for a week

and involved the school
in a great deal of expense!

I didn't think, sir.

Your father's not going to be
very pleased with you, is he,

when he has to pay
the bill?

No, sir.

Are there any more monstrous
crimes going to come to light?

Well, dare I ask
why you did it?

It was just
a...joke, sir.

Well, I'm on
the swimming team, sir.

He knows I train
every morning.

Ah, yes, I see.

Clear as crystal.

So...what's next
on the program, hmm?

Are you planning to lay mines
on the rugger pitch

because Pinkerton here
plays for the 16?

Would that be
the plan, Parsons?

No, sir.

No, it will not!

Because this feud is going
to stop, isn't it?

Yes, sir.
Pinkerton?

Yes, sir.

Because I have no wish
to be blown up or gassed

as some side effect
of your sordid squabbles!

Do you follow?!

Yes, sir.

Now, listen very closely,
Parsons and Pinkerton.

You will spend every second
of your free time from now on

in the lumber room
beneath the stage.

You will clear it out.
You will clean it, sweep it,

dust it, paint it,
and decorate it.

And when you are finished,

it will be fit
to entertain royalty.

Do you follow?
BOTH: Yes, sir.

And if you work
like sl*ves,

it should take you
about a fortnight.

And when finally you crawl
out of that black hole,

Parsons and Pinkerton,

you will be tired, dirty,
physically exhausted,

but morally uplifted!

And you will be
firm friends.

And that's an order.
Got it?

Yes, sir.

Take yourselves out of my sight,
you evil little toads.

[Door closes]

[Coughing]

Oh, what a wonderful
life it is, Barnaby,

if you don't weaken.

Have you ever thought
that that cough of yours

might have some connection

with those cigarettes
you keep smoking?

That is a strikingly
original suggestion.

[Jingling coins]

Well...

He's announced it at last,
and not before time.

Delighted
to hear it, Carter.

May one ask who
has announced what?

If you can't be bothered
to turn up for morning chapel,

I don't see why I should
tell you what you've missed.

Damned if I do.

Carter, you are
absolutely right

to rebuke me.

I feel a great
sense of shame.

I have no right to know
your exciting news.

Enlighten--

Neither has Barnaby.

Ignorance shall be
our punishment.

Well, it's Algy Herries,
of course.

He's definitely retiring
at the end of this term.

They'll appoint a new headmaster
as soon as possible after that.

He's made up his mind
at last.

Well, well, well.
That is sad news.

He's only about 85,
isn't he?

Barnaby and I
were hoping he'd go

for his century,
weren't we, Barnaby?

He's not as old as that,
as well you know.

Well, I think he's made
a very wise decision.

Obviously, he wants
to enjoy his retirement,

and he sees the need to
give way to new blood.

New blood, eh?
Sounds a bit gory.

Any particular blood
in mind?

You don't, by any chance,
see yourself

as our revered leader,
do you, Carter?

I had thought
I'd have a crack at it,

yes, in point of fact.

Something funny
about that, Barnaby?

No. No, no. Not at all.
You'd convert us

into some sort of military
academy, I expect, would you?

Don't think
that's funny, Barnaby.

I'd make changes,
of course.

I really think
he fancies

his chances,
Barnaby.

Well, who else
will they choose

if they're going to go
for an internal appointment?

You're the wrong age now.

And the wrong
temperament.

And Barnaby and Irvine
are quite happy enough

where they are,
I reckon.

Indeed, yes.

So there you are.

I hate to introduce
an element of doubt

and uncertainty
into all this,

but if I had any say
in the appointment,

I'd say that
a very strong candidate

would be
David Powlett-Jones.

P.J.? You're mad.

Oh, you're sadly wrong
there, Carter.

Very strongly fancied,
isn't he, Barnaby?

What?
Oh, yes, yes, very.

One hears his name
mentioned everywhere.

You're not serious.

Care for
a tiny wager?


perhaps?

You back yourself,

if you care
to take the risk,

and I'll back David.

The bet's off if
an outsider gets it.

No? Ah, well.

Try to understand.

Damn it, Howarth,
you're on!

You don't seriously think
P.J.'s got a chance, do you?

Worth 10 bob to see
Carter's face then...

for a man of means
like myself.

Still...

wouldn't it be fun if he
did beat Carter to it?

I do hope I'm not
disturbing you.

Oh, no, no. Any excuse
to stop writing.

Have some gin.

Thanks.

I've done rather
a silly thing, David.

Young Carter was being
quite unusually

insufferable this morning,

and I found myself
betting him 10 bob

that you'd be the next
headmaster of Bamfylde.

Me?! Oh, dear.
That was silly.

Hmm.

I, uh...l don't suppose
you'd consider

giving me a run
for my money.

Why, I wouldn't want
to run against you.

Oh, no danger of that.

As Carter delicately
reminded me,

I'm the wrong age
for the job.

Not that I ever saw myself
pontificating from platforms

or selling the virtues
of this little monastery

to tearful mothers
and pot-bellied papas.

You do make it
sound attractive.

Strangely enough,
I think you could do it.

Oh, not in the Herries style,
of course. That's unique.

But I think
the place could do

with a bit of
youthful enthusiasm,

and one prefers
the devil one knows.

I'd be quite content
to work out my days here

with you as head.

So I quite understand
if the whole idea revolts you.

I'll just say good-bye
to my 10 bob

and hope that some outsider
pips Carter to the post.

My dear fellow,
don't give it another thought.

You don't really think

I've got a hope in hell,
do you?

You've served successfully
under Herries.

You've got
a damn good degree.

Unless the governors want
a complete change of direction,

you must be in
with a chance.

Yes, but I'm only 31,
you know.

I see I'm tempting you.

Well, let's see.

Only 31.

"Brilliant young man
with a sense of tradition."

How does that sound?

Oh, yes,
very convincing,

except I'm not
a brilliant young man.

Hmm. I'd say you were
the nearest we've got.

With a bit of luck,

the governors won't be able
to tell the difference.

You know,

I'd love to give Carter
a fight for it.

Not literally, I hope.

Oh, no. Not this time.
I gather you heard about

that ridiculous flare-up
I had with him.

Oh, we've forgotten
all about that.

I haven't. I behaved
like a complete lunatic.

You know, in my languid way,

I admire you fellows who manage
to get up such a head of steam.

Very invigorating.

Trick seems to be pointing you
in the right direction.

The future
of Bamfylde, now--

whether it's to be turned
into an exam factory

or remain a place fit for
human beings like you and me.

Now, that does seem worth
getting steamed up about. Hmm?

All right.

I'll apply.

Splendid.
You realize, of course,

you're going to have
to work for it.

What do you mean?

You don't imagine you would

just put in your application,
sit back, and watch everybody

admiring your virtues,
then stun the governors

with your brilliance at the
interview--if you get that far.

Are you talking about
canvassing?

That's a crude word.

I'd rather not have
anything to do with that.

You mean, you want to hand it
to Carter on a plate?

What do you think he's doing?

I can well imagine.

We know he's got
Alderman Blunt in his pocket,

and he or Blunt will work on

a couple of those sleepy
old fence-squatters.

Will Herries
have a say in it?

There you are, you see?

Not so difficult
once you start, is it?

Herries doesn't have a vote,

but unofficially,
he'll have enormous influence.

Then, in a little while,
you might find

Brigadier Cooper
in your corner.

Ever since that row
over the w*r memorial,

he's thoroughly
approved of you...

because he sees you
as an arch traditionalist.

Mustn't disabuse
the poor old chap, must we?

You've got it all
worked out, don't you?

Bamfylde's
armchair Machiavelli.

But look, I don't want
to sound pi,

but isn't this supposed
to be about

the future of the school
and what sort

of education we want
for the boys in it?

Of course it is.

Ends and means,
my dear chap.

Ends and means.

[Clock chiming]

Barnaby.

Hmm?

I, um...I was chatting
to Irvine earlier today.

Oh. Good.

And he tells me you know
Clapper-Smith quite well.

Hmm.

It's extraordinary.

It's not all that
extraordinary.

He's married
to a cousin of mine.

Really?

Well, these things
do happen, Carter.

Yes, but he's on
the Board of Governors.

Yeah.

And you never let on?
You are a cool one, Barnaby.

Well, now my dark secret
is out, Carter.

Well, I say,

I'm surprised you're not
applying for the headship.

You're not, are you?
What?

Applying for the headship.

Absolutely not.

You'd make a jolly
strong candidate.

Thank you, Carter,

but you can set
your mind at rest.

I was once
an ambitious young man,

I seem to remember--

expected to go far,
make my mark, and so on.

I meant only to stay
here a year or two,

then on and up,
you know?

I look back
on those days

with a sense of wonder.

Forgotten what it's like
to want to go far.

Yes. Oh, yes, I see
exactly what you mean.

He's very sound,
isn't he?

Who?
Clapper-Smith.

Very sound.
Deep, I hear.

Is he? He's a man
of remarkably few words,

I can tell you that.

Does he--does he
ever talk to you

about the future
of the school at all?

Yes, he does,
now and then, Carter.

What are his views?

He thinks the school
should have

a beagle pack.
Oh?

It's the only subject

on which he holds
strong views--beagling.

I don't know much
about beagling, Barnaby.

Oh, what a pity.
Do you--

I can tell you one thing
about beagles.

You must never refer
to their tails.

Oh?
Sterns.

Beagles have sterns.

Ah, yes. I see.

In fact, if you're serious
in your application,

I think you should go into
beagling in some detail.

The purchase
of a beagle or two

might be
a wise investment.

Well, I--l don't
know about that.

[Sighs]

You're not ragging me,
are you, Barnaby?

It's absolutely
splendid, isn't it, eh?

Ha!
Now, come along.

It will look most impressive
in the prospectus.

"New, modern, fully equipped
science laboratory."

Don't like the price
we have to pay for it.

Well, it's Blunt who's
paying, my dear fellow.

Not my point.

[Chuckles]

The price of the laboratory

is having Alderman Blunt
on the Board of Governors, eh?

Can't abide the man.

Why, I think we can
cope with him.

You know, young Carter's

absolutely over the moon
about him.

That science fellow?
Hmm.

Far too full of himself
for my taste.

Now, now, Carter's
a very good chap in his way.

They're all good chaps,
according to you.

Mind you, I don't know
that I see him

as the next headmaster.

Heaven forbid.
Hmm.

What about that
other young fellow?

Who? Powlett-Jones?

Well, now,
there's a thought.

Sound fellow.

You know,
just by coincidence,

I believe Ellie's asked him
for tea this afternoon.

Oh, here they come
at last.

Poor
Brigadier Cooper.

Algy must have
dragged him

all around
the new building.

Hello there!

I hope you haven't wolfed
all the cakes, P.J.

Of course he hasn't!

He's been helping me
to garden!

Oh, will you look
at that?

He's making
the poor man

admire his roses.

I think this might be
your cue, David,

to go and have your
important conversation.

Yes, I suppose I'd better.

Oh, it's all right.

He only wants
to look you over.

Like a prize pig?

Algy did arrange it
for your benefit.

Yes, I know. I'm sorry.
It's just that I don't know

how to cope with
this sort of thing.

I never know what to say.

Oh, nothing much.

Just take your cue
from Algy.

Go on, David.
He won't eat you.

I bet you haven't
got one like that

anywhere near
your garden.

[Laughing]

Ah, Powlett-Jones.
Keeping well?

Yes, thank you.

What do you make
of this thing?

Well, it looks
remarkably healthy.

Healthy? It's rampant!

Look here, Herries,

are you growing roses
here or cabbages?

Mere envy,
you understand, David.

Envy? I wouldn't
give it house room.

Smells like bay rum.

Powlett-Jones,
you have a sniff.

Well?
I like it.

[Laughs]

Well, you may be right,
at that.

Now, listen here.

I was a thorough rascal
at school myself,

and a bit of a dunce
to boot.

I saw my task
as raising hell,

and the ushers' task
as trying to stop me.

Some of the time I won,
some of the time they did.

They managed to knock a bit
of sense into me, though--

as much as I needed.

You follow?
Oh, yes.

You could be talking about
the typical boy here.

Good, good.

Now, that's the way
we want it to stay.

Don't want it turned into
some examination crammers.

Keep hearing about
this fellow Carter.

Wants to turn it into
some sort of chemists' shop.

It won't do.
Won't do at all. What say?

I don't agree.

I think the science side
does need building up.

Your wife died,
didn't she?

Yes.

Shocking business.

Find another,
and don't leave it too long.

That's my advice.

I'm damned if I know what
you see in these cabbages.

Look here, Herries,
what was this business

you were talking about
the other day, then, hmm?

Well, the letter's
in my study.

Come round
and have a look.

[Herries and Cooper
speaking indistinctly]

Well, that didn't
take you long.

Everything go all right?

I don't know.

That man's completely
ignorant about education.

He'd like to take this school
back to the Dark Ages!

Oh, dear. Have you been
contradicting him?

If getting the headship
means I've got to agree

with all his
reactionary nonsense,

I'd rather not have
his support--

or his gratuitous advice
about my personal life!

You're not very clever
at people, are you, David?

I don't know
what you mean.

The brigadier is
a very shrewd man.

He's very good
at judging people--

a good deal better than
you, by the sound of it.

You didn't hear
what he said.

No, I didn't,
but I should guess

that he was
testing you out

to see whether
you'd stand up to him.

And if you did,
I think you'll find

you've got his support,

whether you want it
or not.

Make sure you deserve
it, won't you, David?

What?

I believe you're going
for the headship

because you think
it will provide

some meaning
in your own life--

fill the gap that
Beth left, perhaps.

Am I right?

Yes, of course you are.

We both understand
that, David,

and we sympathize.

I think it might be the
very best thing for you.

But the best thing for
you isn't necessarily

the best thing
for Bamfylde...is it?

Aren't you going over to
Big School this evening?

I suppose I must.

I do feel a bit like poor
old Julius Caesar, though.

If it was the Ides of March,
I wouldn't go near the place.

Half of them treat me
as if I'm dead already.

The other half keep sidling up
for conspiratorial conversations

I can't seem to get
the drift of.

P.J. is being
the model of rectitude

and keeping well
out of my way,

but Carter smiled at me
this morning.

A very nasty sight.

Doesn't suit him at all--
an ingratiating smile.

Matter of fact,
I'm a bit worried

about that chap's health.

He's eaten so many lunches
at the Conservative Club,

his eyes are popping
out of his head.

Aha.

What did you do that for?

I see no reason

to reveal my plans
at this stage.

Cooper's going round
counting his support--

on the fingers
of one hand, I may say.

Looks to be as if Blunt and the
Carter camp are a neck in front.

You seem to imply
that the contest is

just between
the two of them.

Yes, I do,
and it's not, you know.

There's Pettigrew,
a Repton man--

outstanding
classical scholar.

Turned down
a Cambridge fellowship.

And then there's
the mystery man,

a chappy from Cape Town--
very well qualified.

What's he called?

Alcock.

Hardly
a reassuring name.

[Chuckles]

You know, the governors
have invited me

onto the interviewing panel.

That's rather nice of them,
don't you think?

I trust they won't
regret it.

They haven't give me a vote.
I'm just a sort of dogsbody.

Still, it will be fun
to be there.

Aha! h* h* h*!

Hmm.

Ah! Here it is at last.

Got yours, P.J.?

Sorry. Got what?

Invitation to the interview next
Monday, just after half-term.

No.
You did apply?

Yes, I did.

Bad luck, old man. Sorry.

They must just be going on age
and experience, I suppose.

Yes, I suppose.

Well, 9:30 a.m. I'd better
get the old suit pressed.

P.J., it's yours.

Can't think what it was
doing in my pigeonhole.

Uh, 9:30, Monday.

Jolly good.
Best of luck, old chap.

Mmm. This is dreadful.

You needn't have had


Oh, no, I didn't mean that.
No, it's marvelous.

It was my turn to take you
out to dinner.

Isn't it nicer
like this?

Oh, yes.

Anyway, I think
that you could do

with a little bit
of looking after.

You spend all your time
fussing about

after those dreadful,
spotty little boys.

You need someone
to fuss after you a bit.

That's the sort of thing Ellie
Herries has been telling me.

I seem to be bringing out
the maternal instinct

in women these days.

No.
No, not exactly that.

I'm glad.

Soam ll.

Listen...

I've got a plan.
We won't wash up.

We won't even
make coffee.

We'll just...
take this bottle

and these glasses.

Can you manage that?

Easily.

And we'll go and
sit down over here,

where it's cozy.

Good idea?

Excellent.

Well, isn't this nice--

two old colleagues
having a drink together?

It doesn't feel quite the same
as it does with Howarth.

I'm glad to hear it.

I'm sorry.

David, you didn't have
to come here, you know.

No. No, I wanted to come.

You mustn't think that
I didn't want to come.

If you knew...

how often I'd...

I'd looked forward to it...

imagined kissing you...

That's nice.

That's a nice thing
to say.

Oh, David.

Um...

You are not going
to come out

with any
of that nonsense

about absolutely having

to get back tonight,
are you?

Not this time.

Good.

I won't be one moment.

MAYfair-0299, please.

Hello? It's me.

Yes, everything's fine.

Listen, you're not thinking of
coming round tonight, are you?

It's just that I was hoping
to get an early night. Yes.

Well, I told you that Alice
would be there in the morning,

and I'll be there
around 11:00.

All right.

Good night.

All right, then. Don't ask.

Oh, no. I hate secrets.

I just thought that I
better call Hiram.

Who?

My boss--

Hiram Ulysses Sprockman,

financial wizard.

He's developed

rather a habit
of dropping around

in the evening
to confide in me.

All his plans for taking
the shops to America,

sort of exclusive
model dress shops

combined with Ye Olde
English Tea-Shoppes.

It sounds dreadful, but
if Hiram's in charge,

it'll make millions.

He's really rather sweet

and awfully lonely.

I think you might
quite like him.

A-and that's all he
comes around for, is it,

to discuss plans?

David, you really
shouldn't ask me

questions like
that, you know?

No. No, I'm sorry.

Oh, David,
I was only teasing.

Yes, I think he
might be working

his way around
to a proposal.

It might just be
a proposition.

But sweet or not,

we certainly don't
want him to drop in

tonight, do we?

You're quite sure?

David, haven't I made
it perfectly clear

in the most shameful
and immodest way

that I am quite
determined

to seduce you?

Oh, dear. I've made

rather a mess of
things, haven't I?

All this honesty makes
things jolly awkward,

doesn't it?

Look, I...

I hope you don't think

that I'm
a frightful sl*t,

but what I think we
should do is just leave

all this debris
right where it is...

and go to bed now, yes?

Oh, yes.

Oh, good.

Give me one minute.

I'm most tremendously
speedy when I try.

[Door closes]

Well...you look
very formal.

You look lovely.

Mm. You are very nice
to cuddle.

If you'd like
a written testimonial

to go along with
your application,

just say the word.

[Laughter]

I don't think

the governors would be
favorably impressed.

Well, they ought to be.

Headmasters ought to be

well-rounded men...

good at everything.

I think you would make

the most marvelous
headmaster. So there.

Julia?

Mm-hmm.

I'm--I'm sorry I was

so awkward
about it before.

I think I lost my nerve.

It's just that...

all those years
with Beth, I...

I didn't think
I would be able...

You know what I mean?

Yes, I know. I know.

You know, when I
was at Bamfylde,

I used to look
at you and Beth,

and you seemed to be
the only real people there.

You were so happy together.

I used to resent it.

The perfect couple,

and there I was floundering
about on my own.

And now here you are.

It's amazing.

You're not a bit like
I thought you would be.

I don't ever want
to forget Beth.

And I don't want you to.

Oh, don't worry, David.

I'm not going
to be difficult.

I like being on my own.

And I know exactly
what I want from you...

I think.

Cold coffee's
all right, you know,

once you acquire
a taste for it.

[Julia chuckles]

Julia?

Mm-hmm.

Will you marry me?

Oh, David, you don't
have to say that.

No, I mean it.

Will you?

No. Of course not.

Oh.

Why not?

Lots of reasons.

David, I think
you're a lovely man,

and you do seem to like
me, especially here.

But we don't really
love each other, do we?

Don't we?

You know we don't.

And anyway,
I'd always be

second best for you
after Beth,

and I'm afraid

that that would not
appeal to me one bit.

So you thought about it.

Oh, yes.
But I am much better

at resisting temptation
these days.

And I don't think
you realize

just how much I like
my job here.

It's something I'm
really good at

at last.

And I enjoy being
a free spirit.

Oh, don't look
so glum, David.

Can't you see what
a terrible idea it would be?

I would make the worst
schoolmaster's wife ever.

You love Bamfylde,
don't you?

Yes, I do.

Hmm. Well, I loathe
and detest it.

You're exaggerating.

No, I'm not.

David, you will make a most
marvelous headmaster

if they have the sense
to give you the job,

but can you honestly
imagine me there

in a pair of little
white gloves shaking hands

with the bishop
on Founder's Day?

Yes, I can.

Well, you've got a far
more vivid imagination

than I have.

Oh, but thank you, David.

Thank you very, very much
for asking me.

Well, I'm not going
to give up that easily.

I'll be popping
into that shop of yours

when you least
expect it.

Well, that will be lovely.

But don't leave it
too long, will you?

I--well, I might not be
there towards midsummer.

But I thought you
were so happy there.

Yes, I am...

but Hiram is thinking of
sending me to America.

He wants me
to look it over

with a view to opening
the chain of shops there.

Exciting, isn't it?

How long for?

Just a couple
of months.

He seems to think
an awful lot of you.

Yes. Yes, he does,

and I of him.

Of course, he's not
a patch on you in many ways.

What a shame

you're so much in love
with that dreadful school.

Still, we can't have
everything, can we?

Oh, that extraordinary
clergyman's

in the news again,
Mr. Alcock.

I beg your pardon,
Mrs. Herries.

ALGY: Ellie,
where are my shoes?

Oh, it's all right.
I've found them.

Oh, that nice little man who
was defrocked last summer.

He's proposing to preach
sermons in a bathing suit

on the pier now.

Perhaps we could go
for the day.

I'm afraid

I did not follow
the case.

[Sniffs]

Oh, bacon.
What an ambrosial smell.

Some go for honeysuckle
and roses.

But it's fried bacon
for me every time.

Good morning, Alcock.
Sleep well?

Thank you, yes,
Mr. Herries.

Good, good, good.

You haven't got time for
breakfast, Algy.

You're late already.

Ellie, please. Think of
the long hours of boredom

ahead of us.

Look at the time.

Must be fast. No?

Did you get your bacon
and eggs, Alcock?

I've had quite
sufficient,

thank you,
Mr. Herries.

Mr. Alcock and I have
been waiting for you

for half an hour, Algy.

Well-done. Good man, Alcock.

I cannot abide
unpunctuality.

Algy?
Now what?

Those are odd socks.

Yes, they are
a bit strange, dear.

You can't possibly
go like that.

Too late now, dear.
Too late.

I'll try and keep them
out of sight.

Right, then.

We'll just have
a cup of tea,

and then I'll walk
you over.

So, back from
the fleshpots

and ready for
the fray, are we?

I do hope
the excitement

of the British
Museum Reading Room

didn't prove
too much for you.

I, uh, ahem, ahem,

didn't actually manage to
get round to going there.

Ah, excellent. I
thought I discerned

a sort of glow
about you.

Do you think he
glows, Barnaby?

Yes, indeed.

You'll dazzle
them, P.J.,

with your
gleaming color,

if not with
your eloquence.

It's 10 past 9:00.

Do you think I ought to be
getting over there?

My dear chap,
of course not.

You're on
your home ground.

You must stroll into
the waiting room

with one minute
to spare,

a daunting vision of
calm confidence.

Kindly nod to the
other candidates,

a jovial greeting
to the bursar,

then out with
your crossword,

which you complete
in 10 minutes.

Doesn't matter
what you write,

so long as
they see you

filling in
all the spaces.

Have you
seen Carter?

Bag of nerves.

Trembling like a leaf.

He was pacing up and down
here half an hour ago

until Barnaby pointed out

that he'd cut himself
shaving

and bled all over
his collar.

Then with a great howl
of anguish,

he fled back
to his house to change

and hasn't been seen since.

Poor chap. I know
how he feels.

Harden your heart, man.

If they appoint Carter,

we'll all have to leave
this sinking ship.

I'm certainly too old to
serve in his private army.

I wish I knew what they
were going to ask us.

I should think

it would be pretty routine
for you and Carter.

They know you well enough.

You'll be judged
on your records.

It's the outsiders they'll
be interested in--

Pettigrew and Alcock.

Have they
arrived yet?

They both stayed
overnight.

I took Pettigrew over
this morning.

The poor fellow's

in a dreadful state
of confusion.

Absolute no-hoper, I'd say.

Alcock stayed
with Algy Herries.

I guess their evening was

rather less than uproarious.

Very cold fish,
that was my impression.

Perhaps a stuffed pike.

[Chuckles]

Oh, God. I wish
it was all over.

Courage, mon brave.

In an hour or two,
it will be.

Ah, Carter,

staunched
the flow, I see.

Yes. Morning, P.J.

Morning.

Shall we walk across
together?

Yes. All right.

Well, it's not
a bad old place, eh?

A bit the worse for
wear here and there,

but then which of us
isn't, eh?

Ha ha! Oh, hell,
never mind.

It's an easygoing
sort of school,

I like to think.
First-class staff,

by and large.
And I believe

in letting them
get on with it.

Nice boys, too,
as boys go.

Can't remember

when I last had to
beat one of them.

Things should never reach the
point where that is necessary.

I daresay I should
have often enough.

But when it comes
to the point,

they're such funny
little beasts.

It's so hard to keep
a straight face.

I mean, you can't beat a boy

who makes you laugh,
can you, eh?

[Bell ringing]

Oh, my goodness me!
Is that the time? Come on!

Oh, don't get up,
gentlemen. Don't get up.

I'm sorry we're late. It's
all my fault. Mr. Alcock,

Mr. Powlett-Jones,
Mr. Carter.

Now where's
what's--Pettigrew?

I, uh, think
he's in...

Oh, yes, good, good.

Well, I'd better
get in.

[Toilet flushes]

Did you have

a good journey down,
Mr. Alcock?

Tolerable, thank you.

Mr. Pettigrew?

I think he went
to the lavatory.

Oh, um...

I--I'll go and see
if he's ready.

Ah, Mr. Pettigrew,

I, uh, I think
the governors

want to see
you first.

Oh, dear.
I'm frightfully sorry.

I thought it would be
in alphabetical order.

Ah, odd, that,
isn't it?

It usually is.

Well, that means we
won't know who's next.

Clearly.

Mr. Carter, please.

This is it, eh?

Over the top.

[Clears throat]

I, um, I understand
you've already had

a headship,
Mr. Alcock.

Yes.

Where was that?

Cape Town...

in South Africa.

Yes, I do...

That must have been
very interesting.

A smaller place
than this, of course.

And you?

Oh, I've done all
my teaching here.

Hmm.

And you've been
teaching science

at Bamfylde
since then?

Yes, as housemaster
for the past 6 years.

Yes, well, that all seems
quite satisfactory.

Um...

well, Mr. Carter, perhaps
you would care to give us

a brief outline
of how you see

the task of
the headmaster of Bamfylde

during
the next few years.

Yes, I'd be glad
to, Sir Rufus.

Ahem. I think

that whoever gets
the post will have

to bring Bamfylde
more into line

with the needs of
the modern world.

Hmm!

Go on, Mr. Carter.

Well, I'm convinced

that we
should build up

the science side
considerably.

Our scientific
work here

has suffered badly
from the inadequate

and old-fashioned
equipment

and laboratories.

I think that's
the first priority.

You're a science man
yourself, of course.

Yes, I am.

But I think that if you
look around you,

you will see that an expansion
on the science side

is essential if Bamfylde
is going to compete

even with the better grammar
schools in the state system.

Where's the money
coming from, Carter?

Well, in the past,
we have been

extremely lucky
with the generosity

of benefactors such
as your good self.

Hear! Hear!
Hear! Hear!

But I don't think
we can continue

to regard ourselves
as a charity.

I would be
in favor

of a substantial
increase

in the fees.
The sort of parents

that I would want
to attract

would want to see
results in terms

of hard examination
successes.

And people would be
prepared to pay

a good deal to send
their sons here

because they would
know that they

were getting value
for their money.

In five years, I
would like Bamfylde

to be known as a school
that produces the goods.

Hmm.

Mr. Herries.

Well, it's a splendid
vision, Carter.

Splendid.

It does sound
just a little bit

like a new share issue,
if you'll forgive me.

[Laughter]

But there's more to
a school that that, eh?

Well, yes, indeed,
Headmaster.

Of course there is.
I do feel

that it is possible

to overemphasize
such things

as school spirit,
character molding,

and so on as the
be-all and end-all.

It is a bit difficult
to measure these things.

And you won't
find a school

that doesn't
claim to have them.

No. Indubitably, no.
I grant you that.

My view is that if
a school is successful

in terms of results,
then the right spirit

will follow
as a matter of course.

Sounds to me as if you
don't think a lot

of the way the school's
being run at present.

Uh, I'm very sorry

that I gave that
impression, Brigadier.

I don't think
that at all.

It has been a pleasure
and a privilege to serve

under Mr. Herries'
leadership.

[Bell ringing]

So you were released
from the army in 1918.

Yes, that's right.

I had a leg wound,

and I was very badly
shell-shocked.

You were awarded the
M.C., were you not?

Yes, I was.

Would you care to
tell us about that?

No, Brigadier Cooper.
I'd rather not.

It's all over now,

and, well, you know how many
chaps earned decorations

and never got them.

Yes. Yes.

You must have been in
a pretty dickey state

when you first arrived
here. Am I right?

[Chuckles]

Yes, I suppose
I was.

Didn't you find the boys
something of a strain

under the circumstances?

No, not once
I'd shown them

that I wouldn't
be played up.

In fact,

I think they speeded
up my recovery.

ALGY:
He's certainly been

in disgustingly
good shape

for the past
few years, hmm?

Well, one general question,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

What in your view is
the most essential factor

for a school
like Bamfylde?

Oh, I can answer
that straight out.

A happy atmosphere.

If that's
there, then,

well, everything else
falls into place.

What are your political
views, Mr. Powlett-Jones?

I think I'd
describe myself

as a moderate
socialist,

but I see no need

to bring my politics
into school life.

Not what I've heard.

Ahem, ahem.

Well, any further
questions, gentlemen?

I have one more question.

Mr. Powlett-Jones,
let us suppose

that you don't get
this post

and we decide to appoint
one of the other candidates.

Would you be prepared
to continue here

as a housemaster
under a new head?

I've been very happy
here as a housemaster

and would be very happy
to continue as such.

But, well, I think
it only fair to say

that, well, Mr. Carter
and I have

very different views

on what education's
all about.

And if he
were appointed,

well, then I think
it's only fair

to all concerned if I

were to look around
for another post.

Thank you,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.

You've been
very frank with us.

[Governors whispering
indistinctly]

That's all. Thank you
very much. Thank you.

Thank you,
gentlemen.

[Governors speaking
indistinctly]

They're giving him
a good long time in there.

Yes. Well, do you
reckon, the longer

he's in there,
the better his chances?

No. I don't know
about that.

They want to give him
a pretty good grilling

about that Cape Town
establishment.

Some of these
colonial schools are

pretty q*eer shops,
you know--

shoddy standards,
second-rate material,

bribing the ushers

to get them through exams,
that sort of thing.

He didn't look
that sort to me.

No? Well, let's hope

he looks the wrong
sort to them.

God. What a way to spend
a Monday morning.

I could do with a drink.

So could I.

Well, shouldn't be
long now.

Carter...did
Sir Rufus ask you

a question about how
you would react

if you didn't
get the job,

if I were
appointed, say?

Yes, he did.
A bit nasty item.

What did you say?

Well, same as you,
I imagine.

What was that?

Huh? Oh, something about
you being a first-class chap

and I'm sure they'd make
the right decision

and whichever way it went,

they could rely on me
to serve the school

to the best of my ability,
that sort of thing.

Well, you've got
to, haven't you?

All in the game. It's
what they want to hear.

It's what you've
got to give them.

You didn't mean it?

Lord, no. Now, look,
I don't hold anything

against you personally. That's
all water under the bridge.

But I want to run
my own show now,

either here or elsewhere.

I can't afford to mark
time much longer.

[Whispers]
Just look at that.

He hasn't turned a hair.
He looks as if he's

just walked out to buy
a collar stud.

Well, all over.
A bother waiting, eh?

Do you--do you think

they might give us
the results quite soon?

I hope so, old man. We're
all in the same boat here.

We're all just
as anxious to know.

Yes. Thank you very much.

Not at all.

Just like being back
at school, isn't it?

[Chuckles softly]

I think I'll go out
for a breath of fresh air

while they're making
up their minds.

All right, gentlemen.

One more point,
Sir Rufus...

No, no. I'm sorry. We've
reached a decision.

I can accept no further
items of business.

Now, gentlemen, I realize
that one or two of you

still have misgivings,

but we have had a clear
majority,

and I, for one, am convinced
that the majority decision

in this case
is the right one.

Hear! Hear!
Hear! Hear!

I do think it most important

that our new headmaster
should be left in no doubt

that he has
the wholehearted support

of the full
Board of Governors.

Hear! Hear!
Hear! Hear!

I'm sure
that's quite understood.

Mr. Garside, would you
show him in, please?

[All speaking indistinctly]