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
to expel a boy for gambling
and encouraging others
to gamble,
Mr. D.J. Powlett-Jones
came to my study
and abused me
and threatened me.
Later I discovered that he had
spoken to the boy's parents
and encouraged them to consider
taking legal action
against the school.
on at least 6 occasions,
opposed my decisions
and encouraged other members
of staff to do the same.
frequently absented himself
from his house without seeking
prior permission from me.
especially if that schoolmaster
is a senior housemaster,
is a full-time profession.
It would seem
that Mr. D.J. Powlett-Jones
disagrees.
He had devoted a considerable
amount of the school's time
to literary
and political activities.
The following report appeared
in the Bilhampton Gazette
under the heading, "Schoolmaster
supports Labor candidate."
Morning, Moly.
Oh, hello, P.J.
I say, I hope
you don't mind
my sort of making free
with your study.
No, not at all.
Is everything
all right?
Oh, yes, fine.
Went around at 11:00.
Everybody's sleeping
like babies.
Good.
Oh, little Cuthbertson
came to see me this morning.
he'd been crying.
He had some
very confused story
about how people kept
stealing his slippers
and nobody liked him.
I hope you didn't
strangle him.
No, I restrained myself.
I got him to make us both
a cup of coffee,
and we had a long talk about
"The Wind in the Willows--"
Cuthbertson's favorite
literary work, it seems.
Did I do right?
Yes, I'm sure you did.
He sees himself
as the mole, you know.
After a bit, he ventured
to tell me that he thought
I was rather like Ratty.
Ha! Oh, well,
good for Cuthbertson.
You made a hit there,
Moly.
I can never get a word
out of him.
Ah, well,
I know why that is.
You're Badger, you see.
He's a bit in awe of you,
as I am myself,
of course, P.J., sir.
Look, do I get any
of my coffee?
Yes, sir.
Right away, sir.
I've been reading
your book.
I hope
you don't mind.
Oh? I'm surprised to find you
still awake, then.
When's it coming out?
"Is it coming out?"
do you mean.
It's been doing the rounds
of the publishers
in an increasingly
dog-eared bundle.
No one's fallen on it yet
with cries of joy.
I hope you strike
lucky soon.
It would be good to have a
famous author in the school.
Alcock could put it
in the prospectus.
DAVID: Hmm!
He'd like to get my name
out of the prospectus,
never mind putting
my book in it.
He doesn't like you much,
does he?
I think I must haunt
his nightmares.
Oh, well, if he does
manage to get rid of me,
I couldn't leave
Havelock's
in better hands.
Thanks for holding
the fort, Moly.
Oh, how did your meeting
with Cooper and Herries go?
I'm sorry.
I don't mean to be nosy.
What meeting?
Didn't you see them?
They came up about
I said I was sure
you wouldn't be long,
and they said they'd wait
in the quad.
I came up the back way.
Hell, I'd better
get down.
Suppose we're doing
the right thing?
Backing the right man,
I mean.
I've always had
a lot of time
for young Powlett-Jones,
but it comes
as a bit of a facer
when you find out
just how much of
a Bolshie he is.
Nothing against
Bolshies, of course.
No, no, no, of course.
When you come to see
the fellow in his house,
the fellow's not there.
Doesn't smell right
to me.
Here he comes now.
Ah, there you are,
David.
I'm sorry I wasn't
there to meet you.
Would you like to come
up to my study now?
Things are a bit tricky
at the moment, David.
There's too many
people about.
Everybody's watching
everyone else.
We don't want people
talking about
a Havelock's House
conspiracy.
Is that what we are, then?
I'm afraid it's
very serious, David.
What is?
COOPER: Your position
here, that's what.
Heard a lot of things
about you
in the last few days,
young fellow.
Don't like some of them.
I've done nothing
that I'm ashamed of.
And I don't much care for
waiting about in the cold
for a housemaster who's not
where he's supposed to be.
Molyneux was in charge.
He's my deputy housemaster.
We simply exchanged duties,
that's all.
That's quite in order.
It's regularly done.
You informed the head,
of course.
I didn't, no,
as a matter of fact,
but surely he's not going
to force my resignation
over a detail like that.
David, the hearing is
in a fortnight's time.
Alcock is preparing
a case against you.
I've no doubt he'll use
anything he can get.
I'll just have to rely on
the truth, then, won't I?
Can I count on your support?
Oh, absolutely,
my dear fellow,
for what it's worth.
Oh, dear, it should
never have come to this.
I really do think we're
very conspicuous here.
I suggest we continue
in the governors' room.
It's more private, and
we won't be disturbed.
Come on.
Don't like the way
the fellow's gone about it--
backstairs methods,
not onward.
Well, I have my methods, too.
I put in one of my ferrets
to sniff around.
Alcock's been getting at
individual governors
outside school without
consulting Sir Rufus.
You're being got at,
Powlett-Jones,
and I shall say so
at the meeting.
Thoroughly bad business.
Thank you.
Now, look here,
Powlett-Jones,
I've always had
a soft spot for you.
You've got the interests
of the lads at heart.
Herries tells me you're
a damn good teacher.
My impression of you is
you're straight as a die.
That doesn't mean
I'm soft in the brain.
I also think you're
impetuous, sloppy,
and I've heard you say
some damn silly things.
If I'd had you
in my command,
I'd have put you down
as a good chap,
but a damn nuisance.
Follow?
Yes.
I've got some time
for chaps like that.
You don't get rid of them.
You try to knock a bit
of sense into them.
Now, from the facts I know,
I think it's a damn disgrace
you've been called
in front of the governors,
and I shall back you
all the way.
Rumors are another thing.
I don't like the sound
of some of them,
and if they're true,
I shall have to think again.
Meaning
my public support
for a Labor
candidate?
I do not.
If it doesn't interfere
with your duties,
it's got nothing to do
with the governors.
I don't think your politics
says much for your common sense,
but that's none
of my business.
Now, my ferrets tell me
they're saying,
"Powlett-Jones doesn't
stick to the syllabus.
"Spends his lessons
half on playacting,
"half on Bolshevism.
Doesn't give the lads
a chance in the exams."
Any truth in that?
It's incredible!
That's what they're saying.
Is there anything
I can do about it?
Well, I've been thinking
about that.
I think you should get yourself
a hearing in advance, too--
according to the rules,
all aboveboard.
Now, you write
to Sir Rufus as Chairman.
Attacking Alcock,
you mean?
No. That's the worst thing
you could do.
No, you just give
a little account of
what you've done
since you came here--
exam results compared
with other subjects
and open scholars
that you've coached,
that sort of thing.
Still got a waiting list
for your house?
Yes, just.
There's not many
can say that now,
so there can't be much
the matter with you
as a housemaster.
Now, you get the idea:
simple,
straightforward chap,
decent housemaster,
brilliant teacher.
What about the politics?
Let him be the first
to mention that.
Might blow up in his face.
No one wants a scandal
in the papers,
and you could make one
over that.
No. You know what's
the biggest g*n against you?
What?
Us--the governors.
We appointed Alcock.
If we come out
against him now,
we're admitting we were
a bunch of damn fools
to choose him
in the first place.
No one likes to do that.
Every one of us thinks
he's got God's own gift
for judging
his fellow beings.
Well, I've made a hell of a lot
of mistakes in a long life.
Don't mind admitting
to one more.
Business over?
Yes, I think so.
Well, I really hope.
Good morning,
both of you.
Good morning, Brigadier,
and thank you.
Mm-hmm.
Chin up, David.
Must be our turn
for a bit of luck,
but just to be
on the safe side,
no more politics
for a bit, eh?
You be a good, quiet,
mediocre little chap
for two weeks, eh?
Just to please me.
HOWARTH:
"Girl taking exercise
that is not fitting."
How many letters?
Hmm.
The only words
that occur to me
are too indelicate
for a crossword.
What are they?
Molyneux, Molyneux,
have the goodness
to control yourself.
Have a word with
the servants, Barnaby.
There's a good chap.
More bromide for
Mr. Molyneux's tea.
Good God.
Bad news?
No.
Well,
come on then.
I've got a publisher
for "The Royal Tigress."
What?
That's ever splendid.
Who are they, old man--
Boys' Own Paper?
Hassels.
Hassels?
And very
complimentary.
They're only
one notch down
from the Oxford
University Press.
You're a made man, P.J.
Villa in the south
of France by next year.
Wet Novembers
on the rugby pitch--
just be a bitter memory.
Could I have a glance?
Say, they do you proud.
A few suggestions
for minor alterations.
That's very restrained
of them.
"Could you come up
and have lunch
with the chairman?
Bring your agent."
I haven't got an agent.
You'll obviously
have to get one,
and a butler, too.
Even Alcock's got
old Rigby
to look after him.
Utter nonsense.
Herries always managed
without anyone.
Why on earth
Alcock had to bring
an old crock like Rigby,
I don't know--
someone to make his
hot drinks, no doubt.
MOLYNEUX: Anyway, David,
when you're thinking
of a chauffeur,
I hope you'll bear me
in mind.
It's only a biography, Moly.
It's not
"The Good Companions."
I'm not going to make
any money out of it.
If I can get myself
a couple of suits
and a down payment
on an Austin 7,
I'll have done very well,
I reckon.
But you're a Hassels
author now, man.
Doesn't that put you
out of Alcock's reach?
You can pick and choose
your jobs now,
if you do decide
to stay in teaching.
But I do want to stay here.
I don't want to go
anywhere else.
It's touching,
Howarth, isn't it?
Yes, it is.
I'm damn glad
to hear you say it.
ALCOCK: In conclusion,
I would like
your close attention
on what may seem to you
a mundane matter,
but it is of
the greatest importance.
Since I took over
as headmaster of this school,
it has been
my constant endeavor
to improve
its academic standards,
its moral values,
its efficiency,
and its physical appearance.
And in general,
I have not been displeased
with what has been achieved.
There is no cause
for complacency,
but I have not
been displeased.
But sometimes
I am gravely disappointed.
Yesterday afternoon,
I had cause to inspect
the new latrines,
and I was shocked,
shocked by what I saw there.
Muddy footprints,
games equipment
carelessly abandoned by boys
with no respect for property,
and something else,
something much worse.
Mr. Molyneux.
[Boys murmuring]
Some boy, or boys,
with no more respect
for what is decent
than a farmyard animal,
has wiped his muddy boots
on the roller towel
provided for all.
I want to know
who that culprit is.
Some boy at the school,
some boy sitting amongst you
this morning,
has committed
this disgusting act.
I expect to be told
who it is today,
either by the boy himself,
or by some other.
And if I am not informed,
further measures
will be taken
which will affect
the whole school.
This is a test
of our community.
No code of schoolboy honor
could operate in such a matter,
and make no mistake
about it,
my staff are fully behind me
in this.
A word with you in my study in
Remember,
atest...
of our community.
School.
[Boys murmur]
Despite...
Algy's...
fatherly advice...
I'm coming...
to see you at...
the weekend.
Take it as...
moral support...
or what you like.
Love, David.
[Knock on door]
Come in.
You see a doomed man:
Roller Towel Molyneux.
Third years are calling
me "Roly" already.
What are you talking about?
Of course. You weren't
in this morning.
Alcock survived
his obsession
with the latrines--
did a great performance
on them this morning,
using me as a sort of
conjurer's assistant.
I can't bear
to tell you.
You'll hear soon enough.
I don't think
I want to know.
I'm afraid I just can't
find that man funny anymore.
Only way to say sane,
Howarth says.
You mustn't let him
get you down, David.
He's only trying to ruin
your career, after all.
Hmm.
Oh, Moly.
You're duty master this
weekend, aren't you?
Yes, yes, Molyneux
at the helm. Why?
Well, I think I'd better
go down to Bilhampton;
see how Christine's
getting on.
Oh. Is that wise?
I don't see why not.
Well, if it were me,
I'd be making myself very
conspicuous around the house--
eagle-eyed patrols
of the wash houses,
finger in the dike,
the housemaster
who never left his post.
There's never been
any requirement
that housemasters
shall spend
their free weekends
on the premises.
Under Herries, we were
positively encouraged
to follow
outside interests.
Damn it! I want to be
judged for what I am.
If they don't like it,
they can say so.
It's only me.
Oh, I'm sorry, Moly.
It's not you
I'm angry with.
I think I'm glad that I don't
have your moral courage.
It makes life so awkward.
Well, at least
it makes it exciting.
I must go.
Charles I with
the fifth removed.
With whose head
on the block?
One's constantly busy,
don't you find?
Oh, uh...
And yet, one should
find time to chat
with one's staff.
Yes, indeed.
Here's your lemon then,
Mr. Alcock,
and coffee for Mr. Howarth.
You'll take coffee,
Howarth?
Yes, I will, indeed.
Very kind of you.
I find it doesn't
agree with me.
Stimulates the heart,
Headmaster.
So I believe.
Thank you, Rigby.
You don't mind?
Not at all.
Please do.
I was wondering
what you thought of
my few words
on the latrines.
Oh, very...forceful,
Headmaster.
I'm sure
they went home.
Very vivid metaphor,
the farmyard animal.
I congratulate you.
But do you think
they'll produce the culprit?
Ah.
No, Headmaster.
Neither do I.
The point of the exercise
was to see
that it doesn't
happen again.
I see.
And it won't.
If I might mention it,
I'm reminded of the note
you sent around
last year about
relationships between
senior and junior boys.
Yes.
I'd been wondering,
after penning
lists of boys
who appeared to enjoy
each other's company
and submitting them
to you,
what the denouement
of that little drama
was to be.
I was unable to complete
my investigations
to my satisfaction.
You may be aware
of the reasons.
And yet, Headmaster,
the results must have
been pleasing to you.
I've noticed that
senior boys in my house
now glance furtively
in my direction
before venturing
to address
the most casual remark
to their juniors.
Little rips
in the second form
are able to experience
authentic frissons
of wickedness
simply by asking
the captain of football
who won the match.
The crime rate--
the observable
crime rate--is down.
That must be a source
of great satisfaction
to you, surely.
Powlett-Jones wasn't
in assembly this morning.
No?
Oh, no, I believe
you're right.
Do you happen to know
where he was?
Alas, no, Headmaster.
It's not the first time.
Forgive me, Headmaster,
but it isn't strictly
compulsory for masters
to attend every
morning assembly, is it?
It's a matter
of responsibility.
Other masters recognize
their responsibility.
Powlett-Jones
apparently doesn't
or chooses to ignore it.
I'm sure he had
urgent house business.
For myself,
I should be very loath
to miss an assembly.
It isn't just a question
of responsibility.
Frankly, Mr. Alcock,
over the last year,
your assemblies
have been a great source
of pleasure to me.
Thank you, Howarth.
Howarth, it struck me as odd
when I first came here
that this school does not
have an official post
of Deputy Headmaster.
I suppose it is odd,
now that I come to
think of it.
I'm surprised this hasn't
occurred to you before,
as the most senior housemaster
in terms of experience.
I've been quite content
with my lot.
It might be possible,
with the governors' consent,
to establish such a post.
I see.
There are a number
of administrative tasks
that could well be
delegated--
nothing onerous
in themselves.
They have become
an irritating burden
when added
to my main duties.
Mr. Herries used to
dole out these jobs
on an informal basis
to anyone
he thought
might fancy them.
Herries and I have
very different concepts
of administrative efficiency.
Though there is
another function
that a deputy head
could fulfill--
a very important one.
He could be the link between
the head and the staff.
In what particular way,
Headmaster?
You could monitor
the standards of the school,
particularly as regards
their observance
by members of the staff.
I don't believe
I follow you.
Powlett-Jones would be
a case in point.
Ah, I see.
You mean that
if I were in the post
of Deputy Head,
I should have a friendly
word with Powlett-Jones;
remind him that
regular attendance
at Head's Assembly
would be
of general benefit
and so on.
I do not mean that.
I mean that you should
take note of any breaches
in the observance
of my standards
and report them to me
and subsequently assist me
in any appropriate action.
Yes.
A kind of information
and policing function.
Would that be it?
If you wish.
You understand I am not
speculating in the abstract.
I am talking about
a practical proposal
of advantage to you
personally.
I'm flattered,
Headmaster,
more than I can say.
But if I had hankered
after a career
in spying,
I should have applied
for the Secret Service.
I'm dreadfully sorry,
Headmaster.
[Door opens, then closes]
Now, Ramsay MacDonald calls
his government "national,"
but it doesn't represent
the people of this country.
Ramsay McDonald has broken faith
with the people of this country,
but that doesn't mean we've
got to lose faith in ourselves.
Get back to school!
Get back to school,
my friend over there says.
[Laughter]
Well, sir, if you think--
if you think that
and wage cuts all around
are all that you deserve,
you should be back
in school yourself,
in the corner
with a dunce's cap on.
MAN: Hear! Hear!
Even so--even so,
my friend,
you deserve better than a wage
of 35 shillings a week.
You deserve better
than a tied cottage
you can be thrown out of
any time the squire
gives the nod.
Good luck
to the squire!
Well, now
I've heard it all.
All right, friend,
if you want to keep
the squire in luxury
and yourself
on the poverty line,
cast your vote
for Humphrey Simmons
and see what thanks
you'll get.
You won't see him again
until he's after your vote
at the next election.
Am I right?
Mr. Simmons is
a sensitive man, you see.
He doesn't like to see
people starving,
so he stays in his big house
up in London
so he won't be all upset.
[Man speaking indistinctly]
All right, my friend,
I was waiting for that one, too.
Now, I blame Ramsay MacDonald
for a lot.
Where's your old man?
I don't blame him for
the Wall Street crash.
Run off and left you,
didn't he?
I'm buggered
if I blame him!
More noise from
the dunce's corner?
Where's your old man?
I think you've got
the needle stuck, my friend.
There's not going to be
any fun, my friend.
There'll be no fun
for you or for me
if we return this present
government to the polls.
Now, this is what
the Labor Party stands for--
Where's your old man?
...social justice.
Who do you think
you are?
'Tis her fancy man.
All right, friends,
all right,
if any of you have
any political questions--
Where is he?
[Talking over each other]
CHRISTINE:
Had a couple, have you?
[Laughter and applause]
Does she have to put up
with filth like that
at every meeting?
No, but you can
see for yourself
she can handle it.
She's got more to her
than I thought.
CHRISTINE: Yes, you.
I thought perhaps it might be.
You're one of Mr. Transom's
men, aren't you?
Well, are you?
What of it?
And he's bought you
a couple of drinks
to come here and make
a nuisance of yourself.
I wasn't born yesterday.
Neither was he.
He'd rather buy you
a few beers at election time
than raise your wages
all the year round.
MAN: It's none
of your business.
CHRISTINE: What makes you
so sure of that?
I couldn't stand by
and listen to all that.
I know, but what's
the alternative?
Fighting
in the streets?
Scandal
in the newspaper?
You shouldn't have
come down here.
We've got troubles
enough as it is.
All right.
Look, calm down now.
You've done your job,
and I'm grateful.
Shall we just go
back in?
You won't--not with that
reporter hanging round.
No, down to
the Red Lion.
Wait in the snug, mind--
not the public.
I'll tell her
where you are.
[Crowd applauding]
CHRISTINE:
All right, friends.
Now, it really isn't the end
of the world, Cuthbertson.
You think it is at the time,
but it isn't.
You hear, now?
Sir.
Happens to lots
of people.
I even had a little
bout of it myself
when I first
went away to school.
Don't you go telling
that to your friends.
That's our secret, right?
Who are your friends here,
by the way?
Haven't got any, sir.
Oh, come on.
Can't be as bad as that.
It'll all seem different
in the morning.
Let's get cracking.
Did anyone wake up
when you came out?
I don't think so, sir.
Well, fine.
You cut along.
[Knock on door]
Good evening, Headmaster.
Were you looking for
Mr. Powlett-Jones?
He's not here.
What is this boy
doing here?
He's on his way back
to the dorm, sir.
It is now two hours
after lights out.
Go back to your
dormitory immediately.
I shall wish to see you
after morning prayers.
Your explanation,
Mr. Molyneux?
I advise you to think
before you speak.
I didn't want
to embarrass the boy
in front of you,
Headmaster.
He'd woken up,
found he'd wet the bed,
and got into rather
a panic about it.
Why did you not send
him back immediately
to strip the bed?
I issued perfectly
clear instructions
on this matter
in October last.
He should have
stripped the bed,
reported to Matron,
and then remade
the bed himself.
I just thought he needed
cheering up a bit, sir.
This whole business
of being at Bamfylde
seems to frighten
him silly,
and he's never been
away from home before.
Yes, I can
accept that.
You've not been here
long, Mr. Molyneux.
You must beware of
being too soft
on the boys
in your house.
When they see
that you are soft,
they will take
advantage of it.
Oh, I do see that,
sir, but, well,
Cuthbertson's
hardly in a state
to take advantage
of anyone.
In my view,
he already has.
This school
does not exist
to coddle
his weaknesses.
I think he'll settle down,
Headmaster.
You must not take
Mr. Powlett-Jones
as your model in
these matters, Molyneux.
His is not the example
I should wish a young
master to follow.
Happily,
before too long...
You must be finding
your evenings
and weekend duties
rather onerous,
with Mr. Powlett-Jones's
frequent absences.
Oh, no, Headmaster,
not really.
There's a good deal
of give and take about it,
and he helps me out
often enough.
I understood that
was common practice.
In Mr. Herries' time,
you know.
Herries did not
appoint you. I did.
You might do well
to remember that.
Loyalty is an
admirable quality
when it extends in
the right direction.
Would you like
a cup of cocoa?
What?
A cup of cocoa?
Thank you, no.
Uh, Molyneux...
if you were
to be offered
a senior
housemaster's post
on a temporary
basis,
would you feel yourself
competent to accept?
I'd love to have
a go at it, sir.
I think I could cope.
Good.
[Train whistle]
Oh, it's all right.
Mrs. Parsons
has taken herself
and her blasted cats
off to Tewkesbury
for the night,
visiting her sister
or the cat's sister.
Oh, damn. Have you
got a penny?
Oh, yes.
I've got 3, I think.
Riches.
There's the meter.
Well, make yourself
at home.
Couldn't you have found
anything a bit nicer than this?
I'd look good,
wouldn't I,
running for Labor
from the best front room
in the Bilhampton Arms.
It's a place
to lay my head.
The money I save goes
into the election fund.
Yes. I'd like to think
I'd do the same.
Still, you did rather go to
the other extreme, didn't you?
Don't you know I like to
punish myself?
Besides, I don't think
I've got the right
to live any better
than the people
I'm fighting for.
You should see
some of the hovels
they're expected
to live in.
What you don't realize
is that rural slums
can be twice as bad
as urban slums.
There's all the dirt,
all the poverty--
Chris, I know what
rural slums are like.
Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm all wound up,
you see. I can't stop.
You shouldn't have come.
Oh, look, I'm sorry
about the meeting.
Do you know,
just for a minute,
I really wanted you
to hit him?
Just for a second.
Whatever the scandal,
I thought
it would be worth it
to see him going down
with blood pouring all
down his stupid face.
He's one of the people
I'm supposed to be
sticking up for.
God, they're so stupid,
David.
They're so pig-ignorant.
That's what I didn't--
Can't you manage
to forget about it
for an hour or two
at least?
I was hoping we could
talk about us.
No. I couldn't cope
with that.
That'd be the worst.
I'm sort of
frightened of
what I'd find out
about myself.
I'm only just managing
to hold my life
together as it is.
I'm all frayed string
and patches.
Can you just accept that
it means a lot to me
that you want to
come down
and leave it
like that for now?
You wouldn't like it
if I came all undone.
Don't look at me like
that, David, please.
I promise I'll try
and sort myself out
when the election's
over.
Just be patient.
Can you stay?
For a bit.
I've got Barnaby's car.
Good.
I have to get back
early, though--
my disciplinary hearing
tomorrow.
Lord. I never asked
you about that.
What do you think
your chances are?
Bad.
You can't have
done them much good
by coming down here
again.
Oh, I don't think
I've made it any worse.
Even if I get myself
into the papers again,
I don't think they'll see them
till after the meeting.
So we're both going down
with all flags flying.
Looks like it.
David, I don't think
I can stand any more.
I've had enough
for today.
I want to go to bed now.
I feel as if
I'm using you.
Can't you
see anything?
Can't you see
it's completely
the other way round?
Yes.
[Sighing]
Mr. Powlett-Jones,
I would like to explain
the procedure
which we propose to follow.
We have received detailed
written evidence
both from Mr. Alcock
and from yourself,
and we have studied
these carefully.
Both of you have declined
to be legally represented
at this time.
Now, we should like to
question you about your letter
and invite any further comments
you may wish to make.
We shall then follow the same
procedure with Mr. Alcock.
And is this agreeable
to you?
Am I to be present
when Mr. Alcock
is interviewed?
No. This was discussed,
Mr. Powlett-Jones,
but my judicial experience
indicates that witnesses are
more properly examined
separately.
Yes, I see.
Thank you.
Now then,
perhaps you might begin
by explaining why you wrote
this letter to the governors.
You've been accused of
disloyalty.
Could not this letter itself
be construed as a disloyal act?
I understood that my
professional ability
was called in question.
I simply wanted to
give you the facts
so that you could judge
for yourselves.
I've, uh, looked
at these figures:
in the last 13 years.
Is that so remarkable?
What about the lads who didn't
win open scholarships?
Could you tell us how many
scholarships were gained
in the 10 years
before you came here?
No, I'm afraid
I couldn't.
I can. Two.
I quite see your point,
Alderman Blunt.
remarkable
for Winchester,
but it's jolly good
going for Bamfylde.
We don't have so many
high fliers here,
you know.
It has been put to us,
Powlett-Jones,
that you tried to influence
the boys politically
when you should have been
teaching them history.
What do you say
to that?
Well, that's a hard
question to answer.
I've tried to open
their minds,
to enable them
to think critically
about ideas they may
have taken for granted.
It seems to me that...
you can't teach history
without doing that.
Do you preach socialism
to them or not?
No, Alderman Blunt.
I don't preach
anything to them
except a respect
for the truth.
The headmaster says you're away
from school too often;
that he never knows
where to find you.
I've employed men like that.
They've either changed
their ways
or been shown the door.
I think, if you care
to check, Alderman,
you'll find that I've
had no more absences
than any other
housemaster.
I've not let them
interfere with
my teaching commitments
or my house duties.
Thank you, Mr. Powlett-Jones.
We will check this.
It seems to me
an important point.
Do you not want
to know the reason
for the absences?
Not unless you have anything
further to say about them.
Yes.
I have the feeling
that I'm being
politically persecuted.
It's no secret that
I'm active in politics,
but I think
a man's politics
are his own business,
are they?
No one has suggested
otherwise,
Mr. Powlett-Jones.
However, I'll note
your comment.
I wonder if you'd care
to give us your views
on the headmaster's policy
as a whole.
It might be helpful
in making up our minds.
No, Alderman,
it would not be proper
for me to do so
at this meeting.
Oh? I understand
you're quite free
with your comments
about him
in the common room
and elsewhere.
Any criticisms
I've made of Mr. Alcock
to anyone else,
I've also made
to him directly
in my capacity
as housemaster.
I think that
it's part of my job
that I should share
my views with him.
So you challenge him
to his face
and talk about him behind
his back--is that the case?
That's not fair.
You said it yourself, man.
Mr. Powlett-Jones,
it doesn't do to have
a headmaster
and a housemaster
hammering away
at each other.
You surely
won't deny that.
No, but it hasn't
been a case
of hammering away
at each other.
We've had our
disagreements, yes,
but I've never
deliberately set out
to obstruct him.
No, you don't take my point.
But you must agree that
this sort of thing cannot go on.
What do you think might be
the solution?
I don't know.
Mr. Alcock has told me that,
in an informal
conversation with you,
he suggested that you should
voluntarily resign
on the understanding
that he would give you
excellent references
in order to secure
another good post.
Don't you think
that might be the solution?
If he thinks as little
of me as he seems to,
it would be dishonest
of him to give me
a good reference.
If you think as little
of him as you seem to,
I don't see
why you want to stay.
But I do want to stay.
I'm very attached
to the school.
Go on.
Well, I...
I've felt like that
ever since my first week
here in 1918.
When I first came here,
I had a lot of
preconceptions
about boarding schools,
but I was
completely won over
by Mr. Herries' idea of
what a school could be
and what it could do for
the boys who come here.
And I'm not just
talking about
academic achievements,
important
though they are.
Not all the boys
can succeed in that way.
I've felt that right
from the beginning,
that the best thing
about Bamfylde
is that it provides
an atmosphere
in which children can
grow into responsible,
mature, and decent
human beings.
Watching that process
and doing my best
to help it...
that's what's given me
the greatest joy
in the years
I've been here.
Any disagreements
I've had with Mr. Alcock
have been disagreements
about what's best
for the boys' interests
in particular cases.
I'd...
I'd like to say
that I do respect
Mr. Alcock's authority,
and I do recognize
what he's done
in the efficient running
of the school.
I still think
that it is possible
for us to work together.
Then you'd be
prepared to give
an undertaking
to toe the line,
so to speak,
in the future?
No. No, I'm sorry.
I couldn't make that
sort of undertaking
in advance.
If I see the boys
suffering from something
which I think is wrong,
then I think it's
my duty to say so
and to do something
about it.
Any other questions?
Thank you, Mr. Powlett-Jones.
I think that will be all.
You needn't wait.
The governors will communicate
their decision to you
in writing.
Good morning to you.
Good morning.
Herries, ask Mr. Alcock
to join us, will you?
They're ready
for you now, Alcock.
I'm sorry we had
to keep you waiting.
Not at all,
Herries.
I'm sorry.
I seem to have--
Not just now.
I'll telephone this evening
if there's any information.
Thank you.
Um, Alderman Blunt?
Mr. Alcock,
we asked Powlett-Jones about
his absences from school.
He claims,
though not excessive,
that other masters
do the same.
He says he never
neglected his duties.
What do you say to that?
He's lying,
of course,
as I would
expect him to do
in the
circumstances.
He invited us to check
the records on this.
Would that be possible?
Of course. You have
the full details
in the report
that I submitted.
Which could be confirmed
from an independent source?
Do I understand that
you doubt my word?
It is very important
that Mr. Powlett-Jones
should see that justice
is done to him.
You may check where
you like, of course,
though you should not
place too much reliance
on the word of Molyneux
or Howarth.
Who do you trust,
Mr. Alcock?
With very few
exceptions,
I have the greatest
confidence in my staff.
I'm glad to hear that.
Well, now, on the question
of disagreements,
Mr. Powlett-Jones hasn't
volunteered any criticism
of your policies.
But he did say,
when we asked him,
that he had been to you
and quite honestly
expressed disagreement
with some of
your decisions.
I'm sure he would
express it that way
to you.
He also said that he has
never set out to defy you.
He has done so
quite openly
on several occasions--
once in front of
one of the boys,
whom he deliberately
shielded,
knowing that
I considered the boy
to be involved in
a network of
unnatural practices.
Eh?
Uh, I think you'll
have to enlarge
a little on this,
Mr. Alcock.
Some governors
are not fully
conversant
with this matter.
ALCOCK: Gladly.
It has been
apparent to me
from the moment
I took over
that, uh, sentimental
relationships
between senior
and junior boys
appear to be the norm
at Bamfylde.
Some of these, uh,
friendships,
it seemed to me,
were thoroughly
unhealthy and perverse.
I requested
the housemasters
to cooperate by
submitting lists
of such relationships
within their houses.
Mr. D.J. Powlett-Jones
refused point-blank.
Could it not be
that there wasn't
any of that sort of thing
in his house?
Fellow couldn't send a list
if there wasn't
anyone to put on it.
You've got a point there.
It was in Havelock's
House, Brigadier,
that the moral laxity
was most grossly
apparent.
Mr. Alcock,
what were the results
of your investigations?
How many boys confessed
to these practices
to which you refer,
and how were
they punished?
I was unable to complete
my investigations
to my satisfaction,
due to Powlett-Jones's
noncooperation.
But surely, Headmaster,
Havelock's is only
one of 6 houses.
What about the others?
Powlett-Jones's example
encouraged others.
There was a conspiracy
of silence.
I wish particularly
to refer to
the matter of
Monk's pipe.
I expelled the boy,
as a matter of course,
for repeatedly
indulging in the habit
of smoking
on school premises.
Mr. Powlett-Jones
saw fit
to organize a petition
with a view to
forcing me
to change my mind.
I listened and allowed
myself to be persuaded.
I should have known
better than to do so,
because when I smashed
the pipe
before the whole school,
I could
quite clearly see
Powlett-Jones smiling.
And there are
other instances,
if the governors wish me
to go into them.
Uh, Mr. Alcock, I--
I think perhaps it won't help us
to go into details of incidents
which happened some time ago
and which, in any case,
are not mentioned here
in the written evidence
before us.
Very well.
The question is,
what is to happen to
Mr. Powlett-Jones?
I've heard enough
to make up my mind.
I'm inclined to agree
with you, Mr. Alcock,
that the happiest
solution might be
a voluntary resignation
on his part
with no possible prejudice to
his future career elsewhere.
That would still be
acceptable to me.
Unfortunately, Mr. Powlett-Jones
refuses to consider it.
I see.
Then I must demand
the governors' support.
I will not continue as
headmaster of the school
unless
Mr. Powlett-Jones goes.
Indeed, his open
defiance of my authority
makes it necessary
for me to insist
that he be out of here
by the end of the week.
[Knock on door]
Come.
It's Sir Rufus Creighton,
Mr. Alcock.
Oh, no,
don't get up, man.
Why, I was glad
to see a light on.
Thought I might
have to wait
till the morning.
Uh, may I?
Well...been a
difficult meeting;
rather a painful
one, too.
I don't think
I've ever seen
Herries so upset,
but we've reached
a decision,
and I think
it's the right one.
Powlett-Jones
will know about it
in the morning,
but I took it
upon myself
to come across
and tell you now.
[Ring]
Hello, Algy?
[indistinct]
Oh, Chris,
how are you?
[indistinct]
Oh, well,
it had to get better
than last night's
meeting.
[indistinct]
Oh, well,
that's fine, then.
Do you think you might
have a chance?
Well, at least you've
got him frightened.
I don't know.
I think I made
a mess of it.
In fact, I thought you
might be Algy Herries
ringing up
to tell me the worst.
He said
he'd try to phone.
Oh, I've been
going through
the galley proofs
of the book,
but I'll have to stop.
I can't make any
sense of it at all.
Alcock's still up, too,
I think.
I see his study window
from here.
Wish I had a r*fle.
I could take
a potshot at him.
Yes. Thanks, Chris.
Yes. Sleep well.
[Knock on door]
MAN:
Mr. Powlett-Jones?
Still up,
are you, sir?
Come in.
Rigby, what's the matter?
Well, it's
the headmaster, sir.
I'm sorry
to disturb you,
but I saw
the light on.
What about the headmaster?
Well, he's still
in his study
with the door
locked,
and that's
not like him.
He turns at half
past 11, regular.
I bring him
his drink of lemon
at quarter past.
Tonight he didn't
answer when I knocked.
Well, he obviously didn't
want to be disturbed.
That's what I thought,
but I tried again
Can't raise him, sir.
Have you got a key?
Can you open the door?
Well, yes, I can get it
open, sir, but...
I just didn't like to
sort of on my own, sir.
Yes, I see.
All right, well,
I'll come with you.
He's probably just
fallen asleep.
He's not going to like
being disturbed,
but I'll explain
that you were anxious.
Thank you, sir.
You're a man of many
talents, Rigby.
Thank you, sir.
Mr. Alcock?
Mr. Alcock?
Is he all right, sir?
He's dead.
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01x10 - Episode 10
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David Powlett-Jones, a coal miner's son from South Wales, has risen from the ranks and been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the First World w*r.
David Powlett-Jones, a coal miner's son from South Wales, has risen from the ranks and been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the First World w*r.