Tom Brown's Schooldays (2005) Movie Script
Remember what you promised.
Write to your mother every week.
And say your
prayers every night.
Yes, Father.
If schools are anything like
what they were in my time,
you'll see a great many cruel
and blackguard things done.
But have no fear, Tom.
Learn from the strong.
Protect the weak.
Stand up to bullies and
blackguards of every kind.
And you'll turn out a
man to be proud of.
I'll try, Father.
Any more for Rugby? Last call.
That's you, my boy.
Good luck, Tom.
Up you come, young fellow.
Watch your step.
Let go of the horses!
Making yourself
at home, my dears?
- Yes, papa.
- Yes, papa.
Where shall I put
the Thucydides?
I'll ask Sally to make some tea.
Settle your nerves.
I'm not nervous.
Not nervous at all!
You will be the greatest
headmaster this school has ever seen.
Why don't you go and
inspect your new empire?
Be off with you!
On your way!
I say! You, fellow.
Is your name Brown?
Yes, it is.
Come on, I'll show you round.
My name's East.
I've got some ancient aunt
in your part of the country,
says I should look after you.
Thank you.
Don't thank me. It'll be worth
half a sovereign come Christmas.
Good God!
What happened to you?
Some boys attacked the
coach just outside of town.
Bloody louts!
See them off?
No.
Let me give you a
bit of advice, Brown.
A great deal depends on
how a fellow cuts up at first.
If he's straightforward,
holds his head up
and shows no fear...
Out of my way!
Who is that?
Flashman.
Why are you afraid of him?
You'll find out soon enough.
Good boys.
-Whose horses are these?
- Who wants to know?
The headmaster of Rugby
School wants to know.
Some of the boys, sir,
do keep them.
For the steeplechasing
over at Dunchurch.
- They gamble on them?
- Lord, yes, sir.
They love their gambling,
the boys do.
And their hunting.
Over there is the
place for fights.
And that's the caning tower where
Headmaster dishes out punishments.
What's he like?
The headmaster?
I haven't seen him yet.
He's as green as you.
People say he's a great ty...
Sir.
Matron,
this is Tom Brown, the new boy.
I'm showing him around.
Hello, Mr. Brown.
Hello, Sally.
Hello, Harry.
He's sleeping in
your dorm, East.
So, take his bedding up and get
him out of those dirty clothes.
Hello, Bill.
This is Tom Brown.
How do you do, sir?
Well, thank you.
Watching the match today, Bill?
I wouldn't miss it, Mr. East.
Come on, Brown.
Bye, Sally.
There have been two
broken collarbones this year.
Last year, a fellow
broke his back.
I think it's better you stay
behind than go and watch it.
East!
Get me some hot water.
I'd like to shave.
But the match is
about to start up!
Then you'd better be quick
about it, you impudent scout!
Who you are, fellow? And why you
looking after me like a dead fish.
- Brown, sir.
- The new boy.
Take him with you
and show him the ropes.
Be quick.
Come on, Brown.
It's unbelievable!
They gamble.
They race horses.
They distil liquor.
Well, you knew there
was work to be done.
11-year-old boys with guns!
I think you should invite some
of the older boys up for tea.
What, here?
Why not?
- I'd like to meet them.
- They might shoot you.
I'm sure they're not half as bad
as you're making them out to be.
We shall see.
We fag for the Sixth,
and no-one else.
If a wretched fellow from the
Fifth asks you to fag for him,
- just say no and run...
- East, you little lout.
Come here with my hot water?
The water's not
for you, Flashman.
It's for Huband.
And who is this
despicable little fellow?
Brown, sir.
Don't call him sir!
- He's in the Fifth.
- Go and put the basin in my study, Brown.
The water's not for
you, it's for Huband!
Put it in my study, Brown,
or you'll get more of the same.
Bit of sport, Flashie?
In... my... study!
The water's not for you.
What... What did you say, fag?
I'm sorry, I didn't
quite hear you.
The water... is not for you.
You'd dare to disobey me?
You execrable little turd!
Leave him alone, Flashman!
I just made a rather
splendid decision, Brown.
I've decided that I'm going
to make your time here
a complete and utter misery.
Cheerio.
The qualifications
which I deem necessary
for the due performance
of a master's time here
may be expressed
as the combined spirits
of a Christian and a gentleman.
To that end, I intend to
make some changes here,
which I trust will meet
the support of you,
the longest serving of
the masters here at Rugby.
What sort of changes,
Headmaster?
Well, for example,
it is my understanding
that when the school
gates are locked at night,
there is not a single
master left in the school.
Leaving boys to their own
devices like this can only lead
to bullying and wrongdoing.
We do not see it as part
of our teaching duties to
mollycoddle boys, Headmaster.
Many of these boys
are away from home for
the first time in their lives.
We should be like
parents to them.
I'm going to get you,
you great ape!
It's School House against
the rest of the school.
Am I School House?
Of course you are.
Look, just stay behind the
goal line with the smaller boys
and keep out of trouble.
If the ball goes
behind the line,
touch it down before
any of the other side do.
Come on, School House!
Who is that?
Who's that?!
That's our Brooke.
The greatest School House
Captain there's ever been!
He's come back to
hand over to Frobisher
before he goes up to Oxford.
Still here, Brown?
Flashman!
Why aren't you playing?
I turned my ankle, Brookie.
Most beastly luck.
Come on, School House!
Square up!
Come on! Look lively!
Stay there!
Look lively!
Boys!
Good to see you, Johnny!
Whooooaa! School House!
Yes!
Yes! Come on, boys!
Let's get him up lads.
Come on!
Off to Matron with him,
damn flunky!
Headmaster, the tradition of
Rugby School has always been
that boys discipline
themselves out of teaching hours.
It readies them for the
responsibilities of life, of empire.
Oh, the boys will have considerable responsibilities, you need not fear at that school, Mr. Smith.
But they will be taught in an
atmosphere of pastoral care
and Christian love.
Not in an atmosphere where only
the strongest and cruellest survive.
- The Rugby way...
- The Rugby way will have to change.
Have you actually ever met
a schoolboy, Headmaster?
They are the riotous natives,
we the occupying force.
They understand this perfectly.
Little is taught
by dispute, sir!
But everything by
sympathy and love.
Any questions?
Good.
Then let the adventure begin.
Good day, gentlemen.
Come on, School House!
Get it out!
Come on, get it out!
Come on, School House!
It's a little fellow
underneath it.
Who is he?
Brown.
He's new.
No bones broken, Brown.
You're a plucky little youngster,
I'll give you that.
Victory to School House!
Three cheers for School House!
- Hip, hip!
- Hooray!
Mind how you go, sir.
- Good night, Bill.
- Good night, sir.
If any of the little chaps
need pastoral care,
you haven't seen me.
- Very good, sir!
- Come on.
As you all know, this will be my
last night in dear old School House.
And I believe you have to
indulge me in a few words.
It has come to my notice, that bullying
is on the increase in School House
and it pains me to
leave at such a time.
Bullying is for cowards,
and must be stopped.
You boys who are
now the victims,
you have it in your
power to stop it.
And by that, I do not mean
running to masters or prefects
with your fingers in your eyes.
Promise yourself
you won't be a bully
when you are in the Fifth
or Sixth, and it will stop.
Oh, hear, hear! Hear, hear!
Anyway,...
it only remains for me
to wish my successor
as Captain of School House,
all the fortune in the world!
I know you'll all give
him your every support.
Frobisher!
Before I sit down,
I give you one last toast.
Is a toast that should bind us
together, now and always,
to those who have
come before us and
to those who are yet to come.
It is this.
Dear old School House.
The best house, of the
best school in England!
Oh, what a very pretty speech.
Very pretty.
Time for singing.
You're up, Brown.
What?
The new boy always has to
sing the song on his first night.
Mr. Brown, I believe,
is going to sing to us.
- Stand up!
- Come on, Tom!
Up on the table.
- Up on the table, you young fellow.
- Give us a song!
- Go on, Tom.
- Go on, Brown!
Whatever you do, don't falter.
Or you'll have
to drink saltwater.
Brown! Brown! Brown!
Falter and you're dead!
Brown! Brown! Brown! Brown! ...
- Come on, Brown!
- Go away!
Some talk of Alexander
and some of Hercules
of Hector and Lysander
and such great names as these
- but of all the world's great heroes
- Come on, Brown!
there's none that can compare
with a tow, row,
row, row, row, row, row
for the British Grenadiers.
And drink a health to those
who carry caps and pouches
and wear their louped clothes
Go on, Tom.
You can do it!
may they and their commanders
live happily all their years
with a tow,
row, row, row, row,
we're the British Grenadiers!
A man after my
own heart! Huzzah!
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! ...
Hurry up, you impudent scout!
I'm tired.
Dear Lord.
Bless Mother and Father.
- Bless everyone...
- What on earth do you think you're doing?
Praying.
Brown's talking to God!
What's going on?
Brown's a milksop.
He's praying for his mummy!
Oh, for God's sake, Brown,
you're not a girl, are you?
No, sir.
Get to bed and go to sleep.
East's new chum's a mummy's boy!
Lights out!
Aren't we allowed to pray here?
Go to sleep.
Flashman!?
For God's sake, Flashman!
We just keeping the
traditions going, Huband.
New boy in the
School House, lad.
Leave him alone, Flashman.
He's had enough today.
What do you think, boys?
Shall we leave him?
Tell him, Huband!
Hurry up with it, then.
Don't hurt him too much.
Oh! A fighter!
I like it when they fight.
Tom!
He should have prayed louder.
In with the scout!
No time to waste!
Give us a hand, Tom.
Get off me!
Get off me!
One, two...
three!
One, two, three!
And one for luck.
One, two, three!
Don't fight it, Tom!
Lay still.
Ah, Mr. East. I do believe I
told you to stay in your dorm.
- Leave him alone, Flashman.
- One, two...
three!
It's a bit dangerous, Flashie.
Your point is?
Again.
One, two, three!
- OK, I think he's had enough, Flash.
- Nonsense.
You wouldn't want us to think
you were a little girlie, would you?
No! See?
One, two, three!
The Doctor!
Not a word, Brown!
Tom!
Hurry, Tom!
Say nothing!
What's your name?
Brown, sir.
Thomas Brown.
And who were the perpetrators of
this little act of horseplay, Brown?
I don't know, sir.
You don't know,
or you won't say?
What's happened?
It's nothing to worry about.
Go back to bed, dear.
Is he hurt?
It's nothing, it's just a...
tumble.
Please, sir...
may I go back to my dorm?
Yes, go on, Brown.
Good night, sir.
Ma'am.
It is my most sincere desire
to make this school a
place of Christian education.
What do I mean by this?
I mean that there
is no time or place
where we cannot serve God
by serving our fellow creatures.
Roughness, coarseness,
want of feeling...
unkindness, cruelty, bullying.
None of these qualities...
is to be found...
amongst the inhabitants
of the kingdom of Heaven,
and they will not be
tolerated at this school.
But...
I will believe...
each and every boy's word...
as I would believe a man's.
Whatever you tell me,
I will believe it.
But let me assure you,
gentlemen,
that if you think
this trust on my part
is a licence for
lying or deception,
you will find yourselves
deeply disappointed.
Your closest bond is
not to your companions,
but to God.
It is, therefore,
no disgrace for the bullied...
to come forward and
point the finger at the bully.
In fact, it is his
duty to the school,
to me and to God.
It is the only way
we will rid this
place of the vicious
and cowardly practice
of systematic bullying.
To this end,
there will be no more
horses kept at the school.
The beagle pack will
be disbanded forthwith.
There will be no
firearms kept by any boy.
There will be no gambling.
There will be no production or
imbibing of alcohol of any kind.
This will be a great school.
A Christian school for
Christian gentlemen.
A place of light...
and learning...
and goodness.
Let us pray.
Nine miles?
- Over hard ground?
- Stop whining, Tadpole.
Think the bread, cheese
and punch if we make it.
We won't make it.
The hares have
a six-minute start.
Any fellow that comes in
within 15 minutes of them
will dine at the
Hop Pole tonight.
- Aren't you three a bit young?
- Yes!
We can do it.
Run!
There!
Forwards!
Come on!
I knew this would happen!
We can't be far off.
What is it?
I'm not in the mood
for games, East.
Just a tiny token of
my affection for you.
From you.
Don't be a spoilsport.
Can we go home, please, sir?
Just one little kiss.
Only after we're engaged.
Didn't I buy you
a pretty necklace?
Yes.
Well, shouldn't a chap get a
reward for a pretty necklace?
Please, don't!
Sally!
Hello, Flashman.
Please, Flashie!
Flashman! Up here!
Oh, you'll keep, Brown.
You can run, but you can't hide!
Tom!
Come on, Tom!
Get up!
I didn't see anything.
Honest I didn't!
I'm going to kill you,
you dirty little scout.
I'm feed you to the fishes.
Please, Flashie!
I'll fag for you.
All year.
I'll...
Please don't hurt me, Flashie!
Tadpole!
Help! Help!
- Tadpole!
- Tadpole!
Help me! Please!
Help me!
Please, some help me!
Help!
He can't swim!
He's going under!
Come on, Tadpole!
Tom!
Come on, swim.
You can do it.
Tadpole!
Swim!
Tom!
Help!
Come on! Come on!
Don't hit him.
Don't hit him so hard.
Come on!
Roll him over onto his back.
Go on! Go on!
- Come on!
- It's OK.
You'll be all right.
What are we going to tell him?
The truth.
That's what he wants
to hear, remember?
Daddy went straight
to the end of the court.
Come!
Well, well, well.
What a pretty sight.
A moment, Mary,
my dear, if you would.
Come along, children.
Ma'am.
So, we meet again, Mr. Brown.
Perhaps you can explain
to me why you are so late.
We were out on the
Hare and the Hounds run,
and we lost our way.
And the harder we tried to
find it, the more lost we became.
Aren't you too
young to do the run?
Yes, sir!
We wanted to show the
older boys we could do it.
Look at the state of you!
- Have you eaten?
- No, sir.
Well, get up to your dorms,
put on some clean clothes
and tell Matron I said
you should have tea.
Thank you, sir.
Brown.
Yes, sir?
Don't let me see
you again for a while,
there's a good fellow.
No, sir.
I nearly had her pendulous
breasts trembling in the fresh air...
when that little Tadpole
bastard ruined everything.
East put him up
to it, I'll be bound.
Actually, I think it
was that Brown fellow.
He needs to be taken
down a peg or two.
Go away!
Who is it?
The Doctor.
Um, just one moment, sir.
Sorry, sir.
Deep in our books, don't you know.
I was just saying to Flashman how important...
Leave us, Speedicot.
Yes, sir.
Stand up when I come
into a room, please.
Where have you been
this afternoon, Flashman?
This afternoon, sir?
I believe I went for a walk.
By the river, I understand.
I'd be very alarmed, sir,
if I thought you were taking the word of
three impudent young fellows against...
What fellows?
What are you talking about?
A very serious allegation has been
made against you by a young lady!
A young lady, sir?
Sally Hopkins.
Oh, the Matron's daughter.
One could quibble with
your definition of a lady!
She says you tried...
to seduce her.
To force yourself on her.
The truth is, sir,
when one's father
has a large fortune,
it tends to drive women of
a certain sort to distraction.
Are you denying the allegations?
Of course I am, sir.
Do I have your word?
Absolutely.
I hear things, Flashman.
Like voices, sir?
I will rip the rotten
apples from this school!
I don't care who they are.
Good for you, sir!
You'll certainly
have my full support.
Good evening, Flashman.
Good night, sir.
He's a vain, vicious, nasty
piece of work, Headmaster,
with a list of crimes and
indiscretions as long as your arm.
Then why is he still here?
Well, you know who
his father is, of course.
I understand he's a generous
benefactor of the school.
Hm. Without his money, this place
would have collapsed years ago.
Oh, there have been
bullies before him
and there will be
bullies after him.
Not in my school, there won't.
It would indeed send out a
serious message about bullying,
if Flashman were
to be sent down.
It is not my place to offer
advice, Headmaster...
No, no. Please,
go on, Mr. Lampard.
Don't even think of
expelling Flashman.
If you force the Trustees
to choose between you
and his father's resources...
Fags!
How long can
we keep this up for?
Fag!
No-one fags for the Fifth.
Fag!
Fag!
East!
Brown!
Come here, you cursed shirkers!
I'm coming to get
you, you filthy swine!
Chair!
Open the door,
you little piggy-wiggies!
Open the door!
Or I'll huff, and I'll puff...
I can see you!
We're not fagging
for you, Flashman.
Then I'll burn your house down.
Tom, watch out!
Quick, stamp them out!
What in God's name
is happening here?
Open the door, Brown!
You could have burnt
the school down, you idiot!
They were being impudent!
We're not fagging for the Fifth anymore!
You see what we
have to put up with?
I mean, they're dragging the
house down with their lack of respect.
We don't have
to fag for the Fifth!
He's right.
Cut along, Flashman.
No more fagging
until you're in the Sixth.
Yes, Frobisher.
You two, clean that mess up!
We've done it, Tom.
Here they are!
Who are they cheering?
Us, you fool!
Silence in here!
Silence!
Tom! Tom! Tom!
Got one!
Go for it!
Oi!
Tom!
Go!
Sit down, please, boys.
- Keep quiet.
- Don't look round.
Here he comes.
That be the one what took it.
Brown.
Go to my study and
wait for me there.
Yes, sir.
Who was your
accomplice in this crime?
No-one, sir.
The farmer said
there were two boys.
Just me, sir.
You stole from that man.
Would you care to
explain to me why?
Not really stole, sir.
Oh, so the chicken
belonged to you, did it?
- No, sir.
- In what way was it not stealing?
It's a prank, sir.
We've always liberated
the odd chickens onto you.
It's a Rugby tradition.
A Rugby tradition?
Yes, sir.
You dare stand in front of me and
say that stealing is a tradition?
Then it's a tradition
I'd best beat out of you,
isn't it?
Go to the tower and wait for me.
He's dead.
Died for a chicken.
Rescue like slaves
For none are as free
than on top of the waves
Hearts of oak...
Order! Silence in here!
This afternoon I had a
discussion with the Doctor,
when he made plain his
displeasure with School House.
What about my
displeasure with him?
And he informed me,
that from now on,
all his reforms must be met
without further obstruction.
There will be no more
gambling in School House.
Any boy found gambling...
Any boy found gambling will
be reported to me and thrashed.
After that, he will go
straight to the Doctor.
There will be no more
drinking of any sort.
Any boy found distilling
or brewing alcohol
will be instantly sent
down by the Doctor.
Why do we just wait
until the end of the term
when the Doctor will be sent
down by the Trustees anyway?
I'd ask you not to forget who
you're talking about, Brown.
The man that's destroying
the school, Frobisher!
Get him out.
Stop this!
Stop this at once!
Permission to
help out, Frobisher.
Go on.
Time's up, Brown!
Stop this!
Stop this at once!
What was that?
We have to restore order!
Come on!
Is it under control?
Yes, sir.
I will not stand for it.
If you cannot control the
boys in your own house,
then I will.
I can do it, sir.
Who was the ringleader?
Hard to say, sir.
As you know, some of your
reforms are universally disliked...
Who was it?
Brown was a little more vocal than
some of the others, Headmaster.
If there is a repeat of
this shameful behaviour,
then I will remove you from your
position as Captain of School House.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir.
Morning, Frobisher.
Sit down, gentlemen.
Mr. Smith's unwell, sir.
I'm taking the Third for Greek.
I'm aware Mr. Smith is unwell.
I've just come from his house.
Go on.
- Hall.
- Sir?
I believe you have a passage of
Xenophon that you have prepared.
Read it to me.
Most states allow their city...
citizens...
to bring up...
to bring up chh...
children of their own...
Stop!
That is not the passage
you were set for preparation.
This is the passage.
Begging your pardon, sir,
but we weren't asked
to prepare that far.
Are you saying that
Mr. Smith and I are mistaken?
Sir...
I shall consult the note Mr. Smith
wrote to me not 20 minutes ago.
You are the one that
is mistaken, Mr. Hall.
Begging your pardon, sir,
but I'm not mistaken.
We've all prepared
the same speech...
You dare to contradict me?
Are you saying this
note is erroneous?
- Sir?
- Is the note mistaken?
Yes, sir.
Green.
Run to Mr. Smith's house
with this note and my apologies.
Ask him if it's possible
he has made a mistake.
Sir.
If I find out you
have lied to me,
I shall be forced
to flog you, sir.
Do you understand?
- Sir.
- Sit down, Brown!
Mr. Smith says...
the note...
is correct.
You have lied to me.
No, sir.
Liar.
Liar!
Liar!
Put out your left hand.
You will never lie to me again!
Thank you... sir.
I believe a boy's word
as I would believe a man's.
This is what it means.
One day, my dear, that boy
will meet you again as a man
and thank you for
what you did today.
I believed if I treated them as equals,
they would respond as equals.
They will, given time.
When they know that what
you do, you do out of love...
Love?
It was anger.
It wasn't love.
How can I expect them to change
when I'm still bound by the old ways?
I beg your pardon, Doctor,
he wouldn't take no for an answer.
Mr. Smith, why
are you out of bed?
I heard what happened.
It's over now.
I've dealt with it.
The boy lied to me.
Now, go back to bed...
No, when Green
arrived at my house,
I was half delirious with fever.
I was annoyed that you had called
upon me when you knew I was unwell.
It was important.
I didn't look at
the note properly.
Hall was right.
He prepared the correct passage.
Come.
I have just had a
discussion with Mr. Smith.
And it does indeed appear
that you were in the right,
and I was in the wrong.
I have written a
letter to your parents
apologising for...
what happened today...
and if you wish to
leave tomorrow...
and take a coach home,
I will understand.
Sir.
Personally, I very much hope
you will remain in Rugby School
and that we will both learn
from what happened this day,
and move on together.
Yes, sir.
It only remains for me to hope that
you will accept my sincere apology.
Thank you, Hall.
Good night, gentlemen.
Good night, sir.
Roll up! Roll up!
Get your tickets
for the Derby here!
Tadpole, you're next.
The Wanderer.
Tadpole's drawn
the third favourite.
What will you sell him for?
I don't want to sell.
He won't win.
But I want him as a hedge.
I'll give you...
half a crown for him.
No.
I'm not the Doctor.
I won't apologise
after I've beaten you.
I'll pay you later.
- Next!
- Next!
Brown.
Harkaway.
Your little chum's pulled
out the favourite, Flashie!
- Give him to me.
- Get your own, Flashman.
Oh, you'll sell
him to me, Brown.
I will not.
What have I always said? Hm?
The cockiest
blackguard in the House.
You boys, out.
Now!
Not you, Brown.
Leave him alone, Flashman!
Come on, East!
Come on.
- Get off me!
- East!
You're getting in the way!
Leave me alone!
Tom, give him the ticket.
- Get off!
- Bye-bye!
Now, I will ask
you one more time.
Give me the ticket.
I will not.
Oh, good.
Because I have been looking
forward to this for some time.
Roast him.
Just sell us the ticket, Brown!
Damn the ticket!
I want him to burn.
I say, Flashie,
I think he's had enough.
Nonsense.
You haven't had enough,
have you, Brown?
No. I didn't think so.
Let's roast his front.
How can they be so
cruel to each other?
Oh, this has been a dark
place for a very long time.
One can't hope to
change it in a trice.
And their stupid loyalty!
How can you help them if
they don't help themselves?
I fear, I've let
down young Brown.
Never!
A bright boy like that.
Brave, full of spirit.
What's Rugby done to him?
Turned him into an
agitator and a thief.
And now he's
lying on his stomach
with his back half
burnt from his body.
I'm thinking of asking his
father to take him out of school.
Why?
Because this place
has poisoned him,
and the poison must be cut out.
Walk on.
What did your parents say?
Their shouts of joy...
echoed round the estate.
Oh, Flashie!
So...
now am I entitled
to my pound of flesh,
wife as almost is?
My reward, sweet girl.
A kiss, you mean?
Sort of a kiss, yes.
Put your hands on the bedstead.
What for?
Just...
do it.
Are you so very unhappy
there that you behave like this?
I don't think Dr. Arnold
likes me, Father.
The only reason I sent you there
was because I had hoped
Dr. Arnold would stop the rot
in an institution I
once loved very much.
Now I read that you have fought
him and his reforms at every stage.
You say you think
he doesn't like you.
"I believe your son
has all the potential qualities
that a Rugby man should have.
Great courage,
decency of instinct,
fairness, thoughtfulness.
I sincerely hope you feel it in
your heart to send him back to us."
Last chance, Thomas.
It's preposterous!
You want me to
live in the school?
Actually in the school?
Actually in the school, yes.
I'm senior master
here and I won't do it.
Isn't it enough that I
give the wretched boys
my every waking hour as it is?
No, Mr. Lampard,
it is not enough.
Then I shall have no alternative
than to hand in my resignation.
Sir.
He's here, sir.
Excuse me.
Oh, Mr. Lampard, by the way,
I accept your resignation.
Come in.
There you are, Brown.
I trust you left your
father and mother well.
Very, sir.
I'd like you to meet
George Arthur.
I believe Matron has put
him in the bed next to yours.
That's where East sleeps.
Arthur's never been
away from home before.
I assured his mother
he'd be well looked after.
- By me, ma'am?
- How kind of you, Brown.
I felt certain that
would be your attitude.
A word.
It doesn't seem
that long ago that
you and I were both
new here, does it?
No, sir.
I remember it as a very harsh
and rather frightening place.
Arthur's father
has recently died.
He has no brothers,
just a sister,
and I suspect he doesn't quite
have your robust physical constitution.
Look after him.
Do you think you could do that?
Yes, sir.
Good.
Then I suspect you and
I have an understanding.
Yes, sir.
Tom.
What?
Where do I undress?
Here, stupid.
Why does he have to have my bed?
Because Mrs. Arnold said so.
Be quiet, Perkins!
- Quieten down!
- Calm down.
- What's going on?
- Settle down, please.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth...
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread.
Go to bed, Arthur!
Forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive them
that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Quieten down!
Beastly scouts!
A word, please, Mr. Flashman.
Hello, Bill.
Have a drink!
Have a woman, Bill.
I'll pay.
A word, please, sir.
You'll marry her, of course,
Mr. Flashman?
Marry whom?
Sally.
Sally?
Why on earth would
I want to marry Sally?
No offence and all that,
but Sally?!
I think you know why,
Mr. Flashman!
Nothing that Sally says could be
of the remotest interest to me, Bill.
Now if you don't mind,
I'd rather like to re-join my friends.
I'll go to Dr. Arnold!
You see if I don't!
Oh, Bill, Bill!
Do you really think he'll believe
the word of the town slattern
over that of an
English gentlemen?
I own the Doctor, Bill.
Didn't you know that?
Come on boys, last wicket!
Catch it!
Arthur, catch!
Wake up, Arthur!
Sorry, Brown.
Do you want your ball?
Arthur!
You have to start learning
the Rugby ways, Arthur,
or your time here's going
to be short and unpleasant.
- Do you miss your parents, Tom?
- There you go again!
Stop saying things like that.
You have to stand
up for yourself.
Be a man.
Like you?
I can't watch your back forever.
It would be a dull old world
if we all had to be the same,
wouldn't it, Tom?
If a fellow hits you,
hit him back.
I don't believe in violence.
Of course you believe
in violence, you're British!
Look,...
there's nothing to be afraid of.
I'm not afraid of anything, Tom!
Out, Brown!
Stop fermenting in your own filth.
And you, Arthur.
Next!
You're a very
strange fellow, Arthur.
Strangeness
doesn't flourish here.
Have you lain with
this young woman?
Lain, sir?
If there's something amusing
about this squalid circumstance,
I fail to see it.
Look, I don't know who the poor
sprog's father is, sir, but it ain't me.
I'll be watching you,
Mr. Flashman.
Will you, sir?
Oh, and Pater said to say
that the gymnasium equipment
will be with us soon, sir.
Will that be all?
Sally?
Oh!
Sally!
An abortion?
Sally?
She's lost a lot of blood,
but she'll live.
This is monstrous.
And something
must be done about it!
Thus did he pray.
And Apollo heard his prayer.
He came down, furious,
from the summits of Olympus,
with his bow and his
quiver upon his shoulder.
And the arrows
rattled on his back,
with the rage that
trembled within him.
His silver bow rang death
as he shot his arrow
in the midst of them.
First, he smote their
mules and their hounds.
But presently, he aimed his
shaft at the people themselves.
And all day long,
the pyres of the dead...
were burning.
If you've quite
finished, Arthur.
Quite, sir.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them
that trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil...
You all right?
He's weird.
That's all there is to it.
He's a bit different.
He should be in an
asylum, not a school!
It would be a dull old world
if we all had to be the same,
wouldn't it?
"My dearest, dearest mama.
I won't pretend that every moment of
my life at Rugby has been a happy one.
But I believe there are some
shards of sunshine in the darkness.
That sunshine has a name, Mama.
It is Tom Brown."
"Dr. Arnold has cast
off the work of darkness
and let us put on
the armour of light."
You mean, by destroying
our school, you little scud!
I think he means to make
it a more diverse place,
where all sorts of
flowers can bloom.
What will we do with
the little flower, Flashie?
What do we do with flowers?
We water them.
Have you got it?
No.
I'm tired.
Let's just leave it.
Here it is.
Tom!
East!
What is it, Tadpole?
Flashman's got Arthur!
If he doesn't drown,
then he's guilty of treason.
If he does, then we're
all most frightfully sorry.
- I think he's in the water, Flashie.
- Then dunk him!
- All right, pull him up.
- No, no. One more.
For luck!
Bring him up, you cowards!
Bring him up!
Oh, look who it is.
The shard of light
in our miserable lives.
Pull him up.
You're a brute, Flashman.
Are you all right?
Would you let me to buy
you a woman, Brown?
Then you don't have to go
sniffing around little boys.
I've had enough
of you, Flashman!
What are you going to do?
Shine on me?!
I'm going to beat you!
- Will you fight?
- With you?!
Are you man enough?
I'm in the Fifth.
I don't fight fleas like you.
So you're a coward
as well as a brute!
Fight him, if that's
what he wants.
Oh, I am going
to kill you, Brown.
Fight with your head, Tom.
He's bigger than you,
but he's unfit.
Don't go steam in.
Just jab, jab, jab!
Wait for your moment.
Gentlemen. Begin!
Use your head, Tom!
Go on, Tom!
Come on, Tom!
Tom! Tom, get up! Get up!
Come on, Tom!
- Time!
- No, it's not!
Brown and Flashman
are fighting, sir.
So I can see.
You know why?
Something to do with young Arthur, sir.
You know, the new boy.
Shall I go and stop it, sir?
No.
You've got him.
He's blowing like a whale.
Now remember,
don't be in a hurry.
Wait for your opening.
Give me the dusters.
You've got him, Flash.
Give me them!
Time!
Get him, Tom!
Block him! Block! Block! Block!
Get him, Tom! Come on, Tom!
Tom!
Tom! Are you all right?
Tom! Are you all right?
All's fair in love and war.
Flashman, you coward!
Brown is an uppity little cad
and he had it coming to him.
You are a coward
and a bully, Flashman.
And I'm going to do what I
should have done a long time ago.
If you cane me, sir,
my father will hear about it.
I will not be caning you.
Go to your dormitory,
pack up your things
and leave the school at once.
Your belongings will be sent on.
Have you any idea who I am, sir?
I know exactly who you are, sir.
Now get out of my sight!
Lovely night, Bill.
Get him!
Get him! Get him!
Lovely night, Mr. Flashman.
Arthur.
Arthur.
It's me, Arthur.
Tom.
How are you?
You gave us fellows a hell of
a shock with your fainting tactic.
Did he hurt you?
Not a bit.
Arthur!
Arthur?
Arthur!
Let him sleep now.
Will he be all right, sir?
Only God can answer that.
All we can do is pray for him.
I was meant to be
looking after him.
They put him down
the well, and I...
It's not your fault, Brown.
It appears that Arthur had
a weakness of the heart
which preceded his time here.
He will get better.
I know he will.
Go to your dormitory.
- Good night, sir.
- Good night, Tom.
Brown.
The headmaster would
like to see you in his house.
Come in.
Come in, Brown.
I want you to meet George Arthur's
mother and his sister, Charlotte.
I believe that Charlotte and myself
owe you a great debt of gratitude
for looking after our
dear boy these last weeks.
Is he better, ma'am?
A little.
He's asking for you.
May I, sir?
Yes, for a short while.
We don't want to tire him.
Well, thank you again, Tom.
From both of us.
Don't know whether I'll bat.
But at least I'm in the team.
You're the best bat
in School House.
You should go in first.
Did you like my mother, Tom?
Very much.
And Charlotte?
Did you like her?
If anything should happen to me,
will you promise that
you will look after them?
You're very good at that.
Nothing is gonna
happen to you, stupid.
Don't talk that way.
I'm not afraid of dying.
I'm not afraid of my
friends dying, either.
Because one day we will all die,
and be together forever.
Arthur...
I had this dream.
A river...
green fields.
Everyone I have
ever known was there.
You...
and Harry...
Did you hear that
Flashman got sent down?
Flashman, he was there.
Even Flashman.
And the Doctor...
and mother...
and my father.
Everyone we have
ever known will be there.
That's enough, now, Brown.
I have to go now, Arthur.
I'll come back as
soon as they let me.
Tom,
will you do something for me?
Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Good game today, yeah?
You all right, Tom?
Sir.
I thought you would like to know
that I have just
spoken to the doctor.
And Arthur is sat up in bed,
eating a little breakfast.
Capital!
Enjoy the game, gentlemen.
Sir!
Yes!
Good shot, Tom! Rather!
Every face
shone forth joyously,
and nothing was to be heard but
congratulations and commendations.
Everything was so beautiful and in
such exquisite taste, said everybody,
that there was really no
deciding what to admire most.
And in the midst of all
this stood Mr. Pickwick,
his countenance
lighted up with smiles
which the heart of no man,
woman or child could resist,
himself the happiest of the group,
shaking hands over and over again,
with the same people, and when
his own were not so employed,
rubbing them with pleasure.
Good shot, Tom!
All the light clouds of the solemn
part of the proceedings passed away.
Every face shone forth joyously.
George?
So he says, "Duck, you fool!"
And he whacked one over
square leg like he was swatting a fly!
Oi!
Ah, Tom!
It is my sad duty
have to tell you...
that George Arthur,
of Rugby School...
.. died this afternoon.
He will be buried in the chapel.
I wish...
I would... like it very much...
if you would help
organise the pallbearers
from amongst Arthur's friends.
You knew him best.
Yes, sir.
You'll need to be strong.
Arthur would expect it of you.
The school will
need it from you.
Write to your mother every week.
And say your
prayers every night.
Yes, Father.
If schools are anything like
what they were in my time,
you'll see a great many cruel
and blackguard things done.
But have no fear, Tom.
Learn from the strong.
Protect the weak.
Stand up to bullies and
blackguards of every kind.
And you'll turn out a
man to be proud of.
I'll try, Father.
Any more for Rugby? Last call.
That's you, my boy.
Good luck, Tom.
Up you come, young fellow.
Watch your step.
Let go of the horses!
Making yourself
at home, my dears?
- Yes, papa.
- Yes, papa.
Where shall I put
the Thucydides?
I'll ask Sally to make some tea.
Settle your nerves.
I'm not nervous.
Not nervous at all!
You will be the greatest
headmaster this school has ever seen.
Why don't you go and
inspect your new empire?
Be off with you!
On your way!
I say! You, fellow.
Is your name Brown?
Yes, it is.
Come on, I'll show you round.
My name's East.
I've got some ancient aunt
in your part of the country,
says I should look after you.
Thank you.
Don't thank me. It'll be worth
half a sovereign come Christmas.
Good God!
What happened to you?
Some boys attacked the
coach just outside of town.
Bloody louts!
See them off?
No.
Let me give you a
bit of advice, Brown.
A great deal depends on
how a fellow cuts up at first.
If he's straightforward,
holds his head up
and shows no fear...
Out of my way!
Who is that?
Flashman.
Why are you afraid of him?
You'll find out soon enough.
Good boys.
-Whose horses are these?
- Who wants to know?
The headmaster of Rugby
School wants to know.
Some of the boys, sir,
do keep them.
For the steeplechasing
over at Dunchurch.
- They gamble on them?
- Lord, yes, sir.
They love their gambling,
the boys do.
And their hunting.
Over there is the
place for fights.
And that's the caning tower where
Headmaster dishes out punishments.
What's he like?
The headmaster?
I haven't seen him yet.
He's as green as you.
People say he's a great ty...
Sir.
Matron,
this is Tom Brown, the new boy.
I'm showing him around.
Hello, Mr. Brown.
Hello, Sally.
Hello, Harry.
He's sleeping in
your dorm, East.
So, take his bedding up and get
him out of those dirty clothes.
Hello, Bill.
This is Tom Brown.
How do you do, sir?
Well, thank you.
Watching the match today, Bill?
I wouldn't miss it, Mr. East.
Come on, Brown.
Bye, Sally.
There have been two
broken collarbones this year.
Last year, a fellow
broke his back.
I think it's better you stay
behind than go and watch it.
East!
Get me some hot water.
I'd like to shave.
But the match is
about to start up!
Then you'd better be quick
about it, you impudent scout!
Who you are, fellow? And why you
looking after me like a dead fish.
- Brown, sir.
- The new boy.
Take him with you
and show him the ropes.
Be quick.
Come on, Brown.
It's unbelievable!
They gamble.
They race horses.
They distil liquor.
Well, you knew there
was work to be done.
11-year-old boys with guns!
I think you should invite some
of the older boys up for tea.
What, here?
Why not?
- I'd like to meet them.
- They might shoot you.
I'm sure they're not half as bad
as you're making them out to be.
We shall see.
We fag for the Sixth,
and no-one else.
If a wretched fellow from the
Fifth asks you to fag for him,
- just say no and run...
- East, you little lout.
Come here with my hot water?
The water's not
for you, Flashman.
It's for Huband.
And who is this
despicable little fellow?
Brown, sir.
Don't call him sir!
- He's in the Fifth.
- Go and put the basin in my study, Brown.
The water's not for
you, it's for Huband!
Put it in my study, Brown,
or you'll get more of the same.
Bit of sport, Flashie?
In... my... study!
The water's not for you.
What... What did you say, fag?
I'm sorry, I didn't
quite hear you.
The water... is not for you.
You'd dare to disobey me?
You execrable little turd!
Leave him alone, Flashman!
I just made a rather
splendid decision, Brown.
I've decided that I'm going
to make your time here
a complete and utter misery.
Cheerio.
The qualifications
which I deem necessary
for the due performance
of a master's time here
may be expressed
as the combined spirits
of a Christian and a gentleman.
To that end, I intend to
make some changes here,
which I trust will meet
the support of you,
the longest serving of
the masters here at Rugby.
What sort of changes,
Headmaster?
Well, for example,
it is my understanding
that when the school
gates are locked at night,
there is not a single
master left in the school.
Leaving boys to their own
devices like this can only lead
to bullying and wrongdoing.
We do not see it as part
of our teaching duties to
mollycoddle boys, Headmaster.
Many of these boys
are away from home for
the first time in their lives.
We should be like
parents to them.
I'm going to get you,
you great ape!
It's School House against
the rest of the school.
Am I School House?
Of course you are.
Look, just stay behind the
goal line with the smaller boys
and keep out of trouble.
If the ball goes
behind the line,
touch it down before
any of the other side do.
Come on, School House!
Who is that?
Who's that?!
That's our Brooke.
The greatest School House
Captain there's ever been!
He's come back to
hand over to Frobisher
before he goes up to Oxford.
Still here, Brown?
Flashman!
Why aren't you playing?
I turned my ankle, Brookie.
Most beastly luck.
Come on, School House!
Square up!
Come on! Look lively!
Stay there!
Look lively!
Boys!
Good to see you, Johnny!
Whooooaa! School House!
Yes!
Yes! Come on, boys!
Let's get him up lads.
Come on!
Off to Matron with him,
damn flunky!
Headmaster, the tradition of
Rugby School has always been
that boys discipline
themselves out of teaching hours.
It readies them for the
responsibilities of life, of empire.
Oh, the boys will have considerable responsibilities, you need not fear at that school, Mr. Smith.
But they will be taught in an
atmosphere of pastoral care
and Christian love.
Not in an atmosphere where only
the strongest and cruellest survive.
- The Rugby way...
- The Rugby way will have to change.
Have you actually ever met
a schoolboy, Headmaster?
They are the riotous natives,
we the occupying force.
They understand this perfectly.
Little is taught
by dispute, sir!
But everything by
sympathy and love.
Any questions?
Good.
Then let the adventure begin.
Good day, gentlemen.
Come on, School House!
Get it out!
Come on, get it out!
Come on, School House!
It's a little fellow
underneath it.
Who is he?
Brown.
He's new.
No bones broken, Brown.
You're a plucky little youngster,
I'll give you that.
Victory to School House!
Three cheers for School House!
- Hip, hip!
- Hooray!
Mind how you go, sir.
- Good night, Bill.
- Good night, sir.
If any of the little chaps
need pastoral care,
you haven't seen me.
- Very good, sir!
- Come on.
As you all know, this will be my
last night in dear old School House.
And I believe you have to
indulge me in a few words.
It has come to my notice, that bullying
is on the increase in School House
and it pains me to
leave at such a time.
Bullying is for cowards,
and must be stopped.
You boys who are
now the victims,
you have it in your
power to stop it.
And by that, I do not mean
running to masters or prefects
with your fingers in your eyes.
Promise yourself
you won't be a bully
when you are in the Fifth
or Sixth, and it will stop.
Oh, hear, hear! Hear, hear!
Anyway,...
it only remains for me
to wish my successor
as Captain of School House,
all the fortune in the world!
I know you'll all give
him your every support.
Frobisher!
Before I sit down,
I give you one last toast.
Is a toast that should bind us
together, now and always,
to those who have
come before us and
to those who are yet to come.
It is this.
Dear old School House.
The best house, of the
best school in England!
Oh, what a very pretty speech.
Very pretty.
Time for singing.
You're up, Brown.
What?
The new boy always has to
sing the song on his first night.
Mr. Brown, I believe,
is going to sing to us.
- Stand up!
- Come on, Tom!
Up on the table.
- Up on the table, you young fellow.
- Give us a song!
- Go on, Tom.
- Go on, Brown!
Whatever you do, don't falter.
Or you'll have
to drink saltwater.
Brown! Brown! Brown!
Falter and you're dead!
Brown! Brown! Brown! Brown! ...
- Come on, Brown!
- Go away!
Some talk of Alexander
and some of Hercules
of Hector and Lysander
and such great names as these
- but of all the world's great heroes
- Come on, Brown!
there's none that can compare
with a tow, row,
row, row, row, row, row
for the British Grenadiers.
And drink a health to those
who carry caps and pouches
and wear their louped clothes
Go on, Tom.
You can do it!
may they and their commanders
live happily all their years
with a tow,
row, row, row, row,
we're the British Grenadiers!
A man after my
own heart! Huzzah!
Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah! ...
Hurry up, you impudent scout!
I'm tired.
Dear Lord.
Bless Mother and Father.
- Bless everyone...
- What on earth do you think you're doing?
Praying.
Brown's talking to God!
What's going on?
Brown's a milksop.
He's praying for his mummy!
Oh, for God's sake, Brown,
you're not a girl, are you?
No, sir.
Get to bed and go to sleep.
East's new chum's a mummy's boy!
Lights out!
Aren't we allowed to pray here?
Go to sleep.
Flashman!?
For God's sake, Flashman!
We just keeping the
traditions going, Huband.
New boy in the
School House, lad.
Leave him alone, Flashman.
He's had enough today.
What do you think, boys?
Shall we leave him?
Tell him, Huband!
Hurry up with it, then.
Don't hurt him too much.
Oh! A fighter!
I like it when they fight.
Tom!
He should have prayed louder.
In with the scout!
No time to waste!
Give us a hand, Tom.
Get off me!
Get off me!
One, two...
three!
One, two, three!
And one for luck.
One, two, three!
Don't fight it, Tom!
Lay still.
Ah, Mr. East. I do believe I
told you to stay in your dorm.
- Leave him alone, Flashman.
- One, two...
three!
It's a bit dangerous, Flashie.
Your point is?
Again.
One, two, three!
- OK, I think he's had enough, Flash.
- Nonsense.
You wouldn't want us to think
you were a little girlie, would you?
No! See?
One, two, three!
The Doctor!
Not a word, Brown!
Tom!
Hurry, Tom!
Say nothing!
What's your name?
Brown, sir.
Thomas Brown.
And who were the perpetrators of
this little act of horseplay, Brown?
I don't know, sir.
You don't know,
or you won't say?
What's happened?
It's nothing to worry about.
Go back to bed, dear.
Is he hurt?
It's nothing, it's just a...
tumble.
Please, sir...
may I go back to my dorm?
Yes, go on, Brown.
Good night, sir.
Ma'am.
It is my most sincere desire
to make this school a
place of Christian education.
What do I mean by this?
I mean that there
is no time or place
where we cannot serve God
by serving our fellow creatures.
Roughness, coarseness,
want of feeling...
unkindness, cruelty, bullying.
None of these qualities...
is to be found...
amongst the inhabitants
of the kingdom of Heaven,
and they will not be
tolerated at this school.
But...
I will believe...
each and every boy's word...
as I would believe a man's.
Whatever you tell me,
I will believe it.
But let me assure you,
gentlemen,
that if you think
this trust on my part
is a licence for
lying or deception,
you will find yourselves
deeply disappointed.
Your closest bond is
not to your companions,
but to God.
It is, therefore,
no disgrace for the bullied...
to come forward and
point the finger at the bully.
In fact, it is his
duty to the school,
to me and to God.
It is the only way
we will rid this
place of the vicious
and cowardly practice
of systematic bullying.
To this end,
there will be no more
horses kept at the school.
The beagle pack will
be disbanded forthwith.
There will be no
firearms kept by any boy.
There will be no gambling.
There will be no production or
imbibing of alcohol of any kind.
This will be a great school.
A Christian school for
Christian gentlemen.
A place of light...
and learning...
and goodness.
Let us pray.
Nine miles?
- Over hard ground?
- Stop whining, Tadpole.
Think the bread, cheese
and punch if we make it.
We won't make it.
The hares have
a six-minute start.
Any fellow that comes in
within 15 minutes of them
will dine at the
Hop Pole tonight.
- Aren't you three a bit young?
- Yes!
We can do it.
Run!
There!
Forwards!
Come on!
I knew this would happen!
We can't be far off.
What is it?
I'm not in the mood
for games, East.
Just a tiny token of
my affection for you.
From you.
Don't be a spoilsport.
Can we go home, please, sir?
Just one little kiss.
Only after we're engaged.
Didn't I buy you
a pretty necklace?
Yes.
Well, shouldn't a chap get a
reward for a pretty necklace?
Please, don't!
Sally!
Hello, Flashman.
Please, Flashie!
Flashman! Up here!
Oh, you'll keep, Brown.
You can run, but you can't hide!
Tom!
Come on, Tom!
Get up!
I didn't see anything.
Honest I didn't!
I'm going to kill you,
you dirty little scout.
I'm feed you to the fishes.
Please, Flashie!
I'll fag for you.
All year.
I'll...
Please don't hurt me, Flashie!
Tadpole!
Help! Help!
- Tadpole!
- Tadpole!
Help me! Please!
Help me!
Please, some help me!
Help!
He can't swim!
He's going under!
Come on, Tadpole!
Tom!
Come on, swim.
You can do it.
Tadpole!
Swim!
Tom!
Help!
Come on! Come on!
Don't hit him.
Don't hit him so hard.
Come on!
Roll him over onto his back.
Go on! Go on!
- Come on!
- It's OK.
You'll be all right.
What are we going to tell him?
The truth.
That's what he wants
to hear, remember?
Daddy went straight
to the end of the court.
Come!
Well, well, well.
What a pretty sight.
A moment, Mary,
my dear, if you would.
Come along, children.
Ma'am.
So, we meet again, Mr. Brown.
Perhaps you can explain
to me why you are so late.
We were out on the
Hare and the Hounds run,
and we lost our way.
And the harder we tried to
find it, the more lost we became.
Aren't you too
young to do the run?
Yes, sir!
We wanted to show the
older boys we could do it.
Look at the state of you!
- Have you eaten?
- No, sir.
Well, get up to your dorms,
put on some clean clothes
and tell Matron I said
you should have tea.
Thank you, sir.
Brown.
Yes, sir?
Don't let me see
you again for a while,
there's a good fellow.
No, sir.
I nearly had her pendulous
breasts trembling in the fresh air...
when that little Tadpole
bastard ruined everything.
East put him up
to it, I'll be bound.
Actually, I think it
was that Brown fellow.
He needs to be taken
down a peg or two.
Go away!
Who is it?
The Doctor.
Um, just one moment, sir.
Sorry, sir.
Deep in our books, don't you know.
I was just saying to Flashman how important...
Leave us, Speedicot.
Yes, sir.
Stand up when I come
into a room, please.
Where have you been
this afternoon, Flashman?
This afternoon, sir?
I believe I went for a walk.
By the river, I understand.
I'd be very alarmed, sir,
if I thought you were taking the word of
three impudent young fellows against...
What fellows?
What are you talking about?
A very serious allegation has been
made against you by a young lady!
A young lady, sir?
Sally Hopkins.
Oh, the Matron's daughter.
One could quibble with
your definition of a lady!
She says you tried...
to seduce her.
To force yourself on her.
The truth is, sir,
when one's father
has a large fortune,
it tends to drive women of
a certain sort to distraction.
Are you denying the allegations?
Of course I am, sir.
Do I have your word?
Absolutely.
I hear things, Flashman.
Like voices, sir?
I will rip the rotten
apples from this school!
I don't care who they are.
Good for you, sir!
You'll certainly
have my full support.
Good evening, Flashman.
Good night, sir.
He's a vain, vicious, nasty
piece of work, Headmaster,
with a list of crimes and
indiscretions as long as your arm.
Then why is he still here?
Well, you know who
his father is, of course.
I understand he's a generous
benefactor of the school.
Hm. Without his money, this place
would have collapsed years ago.
Oh, there have been
bullies before him
and there will be
bullies after him.
Not in my school, there won't.
It would indeed send out a
serious message about bullying,
if Flashman were
to be sent down.
It is not my place to offer
advice, Headmaster...
No, no. Please,
go on, Mr. Lampard.
Don't even think of
expelling Flashman.
If you force the Trustees
to choose between you
and his father's resources...
Fags!
How long can
we keep this up for?
Fag!
No-one fags for the Fifth.
Fag!
Fag!
East!
Brown!
Come here, you cursed shirkers!
I'm coming to get
you, you filthy swine!
Chair!
Open the door,
you little piggy-wiggies!
Open the door!
Or I'll huff, and I'll puff...
I can see you!
We're not fagging
for you, Flashman.
Then I'll burn your house down.
Tom, watch out!
Quick, stamp them out!
What in God's name
is happening here?
Open the door, Brown!
You could have burnt
the school down, you idiot!
They were being impudent!
We're not fagging for the Fifth anymore!
You see what we
have to put up with?
I mean, they're dragging the
house down with their lack of respect.
We don't have
to fag for the Fifth!
He's right.
Cut along, Flashman.
No more fagging
until you're in the Sixth.
Yes, Frobisher.
You two, clean that mess up!
We've done it, Tom.
Here they are!
Who are they cheering?
Us, you fool!
Silence in here!
Silence!
Tom! Tom! Tom!
Got one!
Go for it!
Oi!
Tom!
Go!
Sit down, please, boys.
- Keep quiet.
- Don't look round.
Here he comes.
That be the one what took it.
Brown.
Go to my study and
wait for me there.
Yes, sir.
Who was your
accomplice in this crime?
No-one, sir.
The farmer said
there were two boys.
Just me, sir.
You stole from that man.
Would you care to
explain to me why?
Not really stole, sir.
Oh, so the chicken
belonged to you, did it?
- No, sir.
- In what way was it not stealing?
It's a prank, sir.
We've always liberated
the odd chickens onto you.
It's a Rugby tradition.
A Rugby tradition?
Yes, sir.
You dare stand in front of me and
say that stealing is a tradition?
Then it's a tradition
I'd best beat out of you,
isn't it?
Go to the tower and wait for me.
He's dead.
Died for a chicken.
Rescue like slaves
For none are as free
than on top of the waves
Hearts of oak...
Order! Silence in here!
This afternoon I had a
discussion with the Doctor,
when he made plain his
displeasure with School House.
What about my
displeasure with him?
And he informed me,
that from now on,
all his reforms must be met
without further obstruction.
There will be no more
gambling in School House.
Any boy found gambling...
Any boy found gambling will
be reported to me and thrashed.
After that, he will go
straight to the Doctor.
There will be no more
drinking of any sort.
Any boy found distilling
or brewing alcohol
will be instantly sent
down by the Doctor.
Why do we just wait
until the end of the term
when the Doctor will be sent
down by the Trustees anyway?
I'd ask you not to forget who
you're talking about, Brown.
The man that's destroying
the school, Frobisher!
Get him out.
Stop this!
Stop this at once!
Permission to
help out, Frobisher.
Go on.
Time's up, Brown!
Stop this!
Stop this at once!
What was that?
We have to restore order!
Come on!
Is it under control?
Yes, sir.
I will not stand for it.
If you cannot control the
boys in your own house,
then I will.
I can do it, sir.
Who was the ringleader?
Hard to say, sir.
As you know, some of your
reforms are universally disliked...
Who was it?
Brown was a little more vocal than
some of the others, Headmaster.
If there is a repeat of
this shameful behaviour,
then I will remove you from your
position as Captain of School House.
- Is that clear?
- Yes, sir.
Morning, Frobisher.
Sit down, gentlemen.
Mr. Smith's unwell, sir.
I'm taking the Third for Greek.
I'm aware Mr. Smith is unwell.
I've just come from his house.
Go on.
- Hall.
- Sir?
I believe you have a passage of
Xenophon that you have prepared.
Read it to me.
Most states allow their city...
citizens...
to bring up...
to bring up chh...
children of their own...
Stop!
That is not the passage
you were set for preparation.
This is the passage.
Begging your pardon, sir,
but we weren't asked
to prepare that far.
Are you saying that
Mr. Smith and I are mistaken?
Sir...
I shall consult the note Mr. Smith
wrote to me not 20 minutes ago.
You are the one that
is mistaken, Mr. Hall.
Begging your pardon, sir,
but I'm not mistaken.
We've all prepared
the same speech...
You dare to contradict me?
Are you saying this
note is erroneous?
- Sir?
- Is the note mistaken?
Yes, sir.
Green.
Run to Mr. Smith's house
with this note and my apologies.
Ask him if it's possible
he has made a mistake.
Sir.
If I find out you
have lied to me,
I shall be forced
to flog you, sir.
Do you understand?
- Sir.
- Sit down, Brown!
Mr. Smith says...
the note...
is correct.
You have lied to me.
No, sir.
Liar.
Liar!
Liar!
Put out your left hand.
You will never lie to me again!
Thank you... sir.
I believe a boy's word
as I would believe a man's.
This is what it means.
One day, my dear, that boy
will meet you again as a man
and thank you for
what you did today.
I believed if I treated them as equals,
they would respond as equals.
They will, given time.
When they know that what
you do, you do out of love...
Love?
It was anger.
It wasn't love.
How can I expect them to change
when I'm still bound by the old ways?
I beg your pardon, Doctor,
he wouldn't take no for an answer.
Mr. Smith, why
are you out of bed?
I heard what happened.
It's over now.
I've dealt with it.
The boy lied to me.
Now, go back to bed...
No, when Green
arrived at my house,
I was half delirious with fever.
I was annoyed that you had called
upon me when you knew I was unwell.
It was important.
I didn't look at
the note properly.
Hall was right.
He prepared the correct passage.
Come.
I have just had a
discussion with Mr. Smith.
And it does indeed appear
that you were in the right,
and I was in the wrong.
I have written a
letter to your parents
apologising for...
what happened today...
and if you wish to
leave tomorrow...
and take a coach home,
I will understand.
Sir.
Personally, I very much hope
you will remain in Rugby School
and that we will both learn
from what happened this day,
and move on together.
Yes, sir.
It only remains for me to hope that
you will accept my sincere apology.
Thank you, Hall.
Good night, gentlemen.
Good night, sir.
Roll up! Roll up!
Get your tickets
for the Derby here!
Tadpole, you're next.
The Wanderer.
Tadpole's drawn
the third favourite.
What will you sell him for?
I don't want to sell.
He won't win.
But I want him as a hedge.
I'll give you...
half a crown for him.
No.
I'm not the Doctor.
I won't apologise
after I've beaten you.
I'll pay you later.
- Next!
- Next!
Brown.
Harkaway.
Your little chum's pulled
out the favourite, Flashie!
- Give him to me.
- Get your own, Flashman.
Oh, you'll sell
him to me, Brown.
I will not.
What have I always said? Hm?
The cockiest
blackguard in the House.
You boys, out.
Now!
Not you, Brown.
Leave him alone, Flashman!
Come on, East!
Come on.
- Get off me!
- East!
You're getting in the way!
Leave me alone!
Tom, give him the ticket.
- Get off!
- Bye-bye!
Now, I will ask
you one more time.
Give me the ticket.
I will not.
Oh, good.
Because I have been looking
forward to this for some time.
Roast him.
Just sell us the ticket, Brown!
Damn the ticket!
I want him to burn.
I say, Flashie,
I think he's had enough.
Nonsense.
You haven't had enough,
have you, Brown?
No. I didn't think so.
Let's roast his front.
How can they be so
cruel to each other?
Oh, this has been a dark
place for a very long time.
One can't hope to
change it in a trice.
And their stupid loyalty!
How can you help them if
they don't help themselves?
I fear, I've let
down young Brown.
Never!
A bright boy like that.
Brave, full of spirit.
What's Rugby done to him?
Turned him into an
agitator and a thief.
And now he's
lying on his stomach
with his back half
burnt from his body.
I'm thinking of asking his
father to take him out of school.
Why?
Because this place
has poisoned him,
and the poison must be cut out.
Walk on.
What did your parents say?
Their shouts of joy...
echoed round the estate.
Oh, Flashie!
So...
now am I entitled
to my pound of flesh,
wife as almost is?
My reward, sweet girl.
A kiss, you mean?
Sort of a kiss, yes.
Put your hands on the bedstead.
What for?
Just...
do it.
Are you so very unhappy
there that you behave like this?
I don't think Dr. Arnold
likes me, Father.
The only reason I sent you there
was because I had hoped
Dr. Arnold would stop the rot
in an institution I
once loved very much.
Now I read that you have fought
him and his reforms at every stage.
You say you think
he doesn't like you.
"I believe your son
has all the potential qualities
that a Rugby man should have.
Great courage,
decency of instinct,
fairness, thoughtfulness.
I sincerely hope you feel it in
your heart to send him back to us."
Last chance, Thomas.
It's preposterous!
You want me to
live in the school?
Actually in the school?
Actually in the school, yes.
I'm senior master
here and I won't do it.
Isn't it enough that I
give the wretched boys
my every waking hour as it is?
No, Mr. Lampard,
it is not enough.
Then I shall have no alternative
than to hand in my resignation.
Sir.
He's here, sir.
Excuse me.
Oh, Mr. Lampard, by the way,
I accept your resignation.
Come in.
There you are, Brown.
I trust you left your
father and mother well.
Very, sir.
I'd like you to meet
George Arthur.
I believe Matron has put
him in the bed next to yours.
That's where East sleeps.
Arthur's never been
away from home before.
I assured his mother
he'd be well looked after.
- By me, ma'am?
- How kind of you, Brown.
I felt certain that
would be your attitude.
A word.
It doesn't seem
that long ago that
you and I were both
new here, does it?
No, sir.
I remember it as a very harsh
and rather frightening place.
Arthur's father
has recently died.
He has no brothers,
just a sister,
and I suspect he doesn't quite
have your robust physical constitution.
Look after him.
Do you think you could do that?
Yes, sir.
Good.
Then I suspect you and
I have an understanding.
Yes, sir.
Tom.
What?
Where do I undress?
Here, stupid.
Why does he have to have my bed?
Because Mrs. Arnold said so.
Be quiet, Perkins!
- Quieten down!
- Calm down.
- What's going on?
- Settle down, please.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth...
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread.
Go to bed, Arthur!
Forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive them
that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Quieten down!
Beastly scouts!
A word, please, Mr. Flashman.
Hello, Bill.
Have a drink!
Have a woman, Bill.
I'll pay.
A word, please, sir.
You'll marry her, of course,
Mr. Flashman?
Marry whom?
Sally.
Sally?
Why on earth would
I want to marry Sally?
No offence and all that,
but Sally?!
I think you know why,
Mr. Flashman!
Nothing that Sally says could be
of the remotest interest to me, Bill.
Now if you don't mind,
I'd rather like to re-join my friends.
I'll go to Dr. Arnold!
You see if I don't!
Oh, Bill, Bill!
Do you really think he'll believe
the word of the town slattern
over that of an
English gentlemen?
I own the Doctor, Bill.
Didn't you know that?
Come on boys, last wicket!
Catch it!
Arthur, catch!
Wake up, Arthur!
Sorry, Brown.
Do you want your ball?
Arthur!
You have to start learning
the Rugby ways, Arthur,
or your time here's going
to be short and unpleasant.
- Do you miss your parents, Tom?
- There you go again!
Stop saying things like that.
You have to stand
up for yourself.
Be a man.
Like you?
I can't watch your back forever.
It would be a dull old world
if we all had to be the same,
wouldn't it, Tom?
If a fellow hits you,
hit him back.
I don't believe in violence.
Of course you believe
in violence, you're British!
Look,...
there's nothing to be afraid of.
I'm not afraid of anything, Tom!
Out, Brown!
Stop fermenting in your own filth.
And you, Arthur.
Next!
You're a very
strange fellow, Arthur.
Strangeness
doesn't flourish here.
Have you lain with
this young woman?
Lain, sir?
If there's something amusing
about this squalid circumstance,
I fail to see it.
Look, I don't know who the poor
sprog's father is, sir, but it ain't me.
I'll be watching you,
Mr. Flashman.
Will you, sir?
Oh, and Pater said to say
that the gymnasium equipment
will be with us soon, sir.
Will that be all?
Sally?
Oh!
Sally!
An abortion?
Sally?
She's lost a lot of blood,
but she'll live.
This is monstrous.
And something
must be done about it!
Thus did he pray.
And Apollo heard his prayer.
He came down, furious,
from the summits of Olympus,
with his bow and his
quiver upon his shoulder.
And the arrows
rattled on his back,
with the rage that
trembled within him.
His silver bow rang death
as he shot his arrow
in the midst of them.
First, he smote their
mules and their hounds.
But presently, he aimed his
shaft at the people themselves.
And all day long,
the pyres of the dead...
were burning.
If you've quite
finished, Arthur.
Quite, sir.
Thy Kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them
that trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil...
You all right?
He's weird.
That's all there is to it.
He's a bit different.
He should be in an
asylum, not a school!
It would be a dull old world
if we all had to be the same,
wouldn't it?
"My dearest, dearest mama.
I won't pretend that every moment of
my life at Rugby has been a happy one.
But I believe there are some
shards of sunshine in the darkness.
That sunshine has a name, Mama.
It is Tom Brown."
"Dr. Arnold has cast
off the work of darkness
and let us put on
the armour of light."
You mean, by destroying
our school, you little scud!
I think he means to make
it a more diverse place,
where all sorts of
flowers can bloom.
What will we do with
the little flower, Flashie?
What do we do with flowers?
We water them.
Have you got it?
No.
I'm tired.
Let's just leave it.
Here it is.
Tom!
East!
What is it, Tadpole?
Flashman's got Arthur!
If he doesn't drown,
then he's guilty of treason.
If he does, then we're
all most frightfully sorry.
- I think he's in the water, Flashie.
- Then dunk him!
- All right, pull him up.
- No, no. One more.
For luck!
Bring him up, you cowards!
Bring him up!
Oh, look who it is.
The shard of light
in our miserable lives.
Pull him up.
You're a brute, Flashman.
Are you all right?
Would you let me to buy
you a woman, Brown?
Then you don't have to go
sniffing around little boys.
I've had enough
of you, Flashman!
What are you going to do?
Shine on me?!
I'm going to beat you!
- Will you fight?
- With you?!
Are you man enough?
I'm in the Fifth.
I don't fight fleas like you.
So you're a coward
as well as a brute!
Fight him, if that's
what he wants.
Oh, I am going
to kill you, Brown.
Fight with your head, Tom.
He's bigger than you,
but he's unfit.
Don't go steam in.
Just jab, jab, jab!
Wait for your moment.
Gentlemen. Begin!
Use your head, Tom!
Go on, Tom!
Come on, Tom!
Tom! Tom, get up! Get up!
Come on, Tom!
- Time!
- No, it's not!
Brown and Flashman
are fighting, sir.
So I can see.
You know why?
Something to do with young Arthur, sir.
You know, the new boy.
Shall I go and stop it, sir?
No.
You've got him.
He's blowing like a whale.
Now remember,
don't be in a hurry.
Wait for your opening.
Give me the dusters.
You've got him, Flash.
Give me them!
Time!
Get him, Tom!
Block him! Block! Block! Block!
Get him, Tom! Come on, Tom!
Tom!
Tom! Are you all right?
Tom! Are you all right?
All's fair in love and war.
Flashman, you coward!
Brown is an uppity little cad
and he had it coming to him.
You are a coward
and a bully, Flashman.
And I'm going to do what I
should have done a long time ago.
If you cane me, sir,
my father will hear about it.
I will not be caning you.
Go to your dormitory,
pack up your things
and leave the school at once.
Your belongings will be sent on.
Have you any idea who I am, sir?
I know exactly who you are, sir.
Now get out of my sight!
Lovely night, Bill.
Get him!
Get him! Get him!
Lovely night, Mr. Flashman.
Arthur.
Arthur.
It's me, Arthur.
Tom.
How are you?
You gave us fellows a hell of
a shock with your fainting tactic.
Did he hurt you?
Not a bit.
Arthur!
Arthur?
Arthur!
Let him sleep now.
Will he be all right, sir?
Only God can answer that.
All we can do is pray for him.
I was meant to be
looking after him.
They put him down
the well, and I...
It's not your fault, Brown.
It appears that Arthur had
a weakness of the heart
which preceded his time here.
He will get better.
I know he will.
Go to your dormitory.
- Good night, sir.
- Good night, Tom.
Brown.
The headmaster would
like to see you in his house.
Come in.
Come in, Brown.
I want you to meet George Arthur's
mother and his sister, Charlotte.
I believe that Charlotte and myself
owe you a great debt of gratitude
for looking after our
dear boy these last weeks.
Is he better, ma'am?
A little.
He's asking for you.
May I, sir?
Yes, for a short while.
We don't want to tire him.
Well, thank you again, Tom.
From both of us.
Don't know whether I'll bat.
But at least I'm in the team.
You're the best bat
in School House.
You should go in first.
Did you like my mother, Tom?
Very much.
And Charlotte?
Did you like her?
If anything should happen to me,
will you promise that
you will look after them?
You're very good at that.
Nothing is gonna
happen to you, stupid.
Don't talk that way.
I'm not afraid of dying.
I'm not afraid of my
friends dying, either.
Because one day we will all die,
and be together forever.
Arthur...
I had this dream.
A river...
green fields.
Everyone I have
ever known was there.
You...
and Harry...
Did you hear that
Flashman got sent down?
Flashman, he was there.
Even Flashman.
And the Doctor...
and mother...
and my father.
Everyone we have
ever known will be there.
That's enough, now, Brown.
I have to go now, Arthur.
I'll come back as
soon as they let me.
Tom,
will you do something for me?
Our Father, which art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those
who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Good game today, yeah?
You all right, Tom?
Sir.
I thought you would like to know
that I have just
spoken to the doctor.
And Arthur is sat up in bed,
eating a little breakfast.
Capital!
Enjoy the game, gentlemen.
Sir!
Yes!
Good shot, Tom! Rather!
Every face
shone forth joyously,
and nothing was to be heard but
congratulations and commendations.
Everything was so beautiful and in
such exquisite taste, said everybody,
that there was really no
deciding what to admire most.
And in the midst of all
this stood Mr. Pickwick,
his countenance
lighted up with smiles
which the heart of no man,
woman or child could resist,
himself the happiest of the group,
shaking hands over and over again,
with the same people, and when
his own were not so employed,
rubbing them with pleasure.
Good shot, Tom!
All the light clouds of the solemn
part of the proceedings passed away.
Every face shone forth joyously.
George?
So he says, "Duck, you fool!"
And he whacked one over
square leg like he was swatting a fly!
Oi!
Ah, Tom!
It is my sad duty
have to tell you...
that George Arthur,
of Rugby School...
.. died this afternoon.
He will be buried in the chapel.
I wish...
I would... like it very much...
if you would help
organise the pallbearers
from amongst Arthur's friends.
You knew him best.
Yes, sir.
You'll need to be strong.
Arthur would expect it of you.
The school will
need it from you.