Malory Towers (2020) s02e01 Episode Script


ANNOUNCER: Collect your luggage
on platform three.
[LAUGHTER]
Come on, slowcoach.
We won't get a seat with Sally.
Hang on, hang on, just a mo!
Darrell, I saved you a seat.
Come on you, three!
The bus is waiting.
Oh!
I'm so sorry!
Are you all right?
Here, please, let me help.
Oh, dear.
Go. Just go.
I'm so sorry, really.
Is that his teddy bear?!
[LAUGH]
There you are, Gwen.
Did you have a smashing hols?
How kind of you to ask.
I did, thank you.
Look who I was sat with
on the train - Ellen Wilson,
meet Darrell Rivers,
our form hothead.
Darrell, this is the new
scholarship girl.
Um, just the new girl's fine.
A scholarship?
That's great news. We need someone
clever to up our game.
Welcome to the second form.
This is Irene, our scatterbrain.
- Hello.
- [CHUCKLE]
This is Jean, our good egg. Charmed.
And that's Sally.
She's our bossy boots.
Lovely to meet you.
And Mary-Lou, our scaredy cat.
[NERVOUSLY]
Please don't call me that, Gwen.
Well, what would you call yourself?
Mary-Lou is our courage mouse.
Ah, Sally, there you are.
I expect Gwen's told you
she's the form princess.
Thank you, Jean.
Don't let Gwen use you for your brains.
Especially not Latin.
I haven't studied Latin.
I've a lot to catch up on.
Oh, dear. Help me with my things,
won't you?
Sorry, Gwen.
Ow!
I told you she's rough.
Be careful of her.
Ow!
[ENGINE STARTS]
Hooray!
[THEY CHEER]
I can see the school!
Oh, it's magnificent!
[THEY SING]
[THEY CHEER]
ALL: Hip-hip hooray!
Here we are!
Look, Ellen, it's Malory Towers.
Do you like it?
I can't believe I'm really here!
Darrell, sit next to me in class?
Let's bagsy next-door beds, too.
I simply loved the hols,
but I'm so glad to be back. Darrell!
Hi! Alicia!
It's super to see you! Betty's left,
can you believe it?
Upside is we can spend much
more time together.
Come on! Hang on. Sally and I Oh.
As your new best friend,
we really must do something
about that dress, Ellen,
it swamps you.
We bought it to last.
Well, it does you no favours.
Oh, thanks.
You're welcome.
Good friends speak the truth,
even if it's not nice.
That's the head, Miss Grayling.
She's frightfully stern.
Don't listen to her.
Firm, but fair.
Find a seat.
Anywhere for now.
Welcome back, girls, and a warm
welcome to our new girl,
Ellen Wilson.
And to your new form teacher.
Here he is - Mr. Parker.
Good morning, girls.
ALL: Good morning, Mr. Parker.
[THEY LAUGH]
He's the one with the teddy bear!
[LAUGHTER]
What has got into you, girls?
Welcome aboard.
As you know, we will start the term
with a vote
for the new head of form.
Mr. Parker, can you remind us of
her duties and her privileges?
Um
Collecting subs, an ability
to give out order marks,
time off sports for
school council meetings.
May people nominate themselves?
They may, but each nominee
must also be seconded.
There must be three candidates.
They will give speeches,
then the whole form
and teaching staff vote.
Choose wisely, girls.
The person you choose to lead you
will shape the group you become.
Don't be nervous.
I promise, their bark is worse
than their bite.
[LAUGHTER AND CHATTING]
Ahem!
Order!
Order!
[LOUD RINGING]
Thank you. Nominations, please.
Introduce yourself when you speak.
Gwendoline Mary Lacey.
I'd like to nominate myself, please.
[WHISPERS]
She just wants to miss swimming.
And, um, Ellen Wilson.
She's my seconder.
Unbelievable.
Er, you, in the pigtails.
Irene Edwards, and I nominate Alicia Johns.
And does Alicia have a seconder?
Go on.
June Dunlop.
I'll second her.
And we have one more.
Sally Hope.
I'm nominating Darrell Rivers.
But I was going to nominate you.
[WHISPERS]
I got there first.
I'll second Darrell.
Sorry.
I'm Mary-Lou Linnett.
So, we have Gwendoline Lacey
Gwendoline Mary Lacey.
Alicia Johns and Darrell Rivers
in the running.
I look forward to hearing
your speeches, girls.
[THEY CHAT]
Shame we're up against one another.
Don't hold it against me, will you?
What?
When I win. I probably will.
I've been here the longest.
That's just how it works.
She's wrong, you know.
You're utterly in with a chance.
Ellen, where is your trunk?
Um
I couldn't order one in time
and Auntie needed hers.
Come along, you two.
You'll miss your chance to swim.
Swim?
You must be the new girl.
Ellen, is it?
You can call me Matron.
Yes Matron.
Well, now, we have a pool here,
Malory Towers,
so early birds can have
a dip before breakfast
and then you'll eat in the dining
hall and it's straight to class
spick and span. Where is Gwendoline Mary Lacey?
Her bed is a mess.
Hey, Matron.
I got up early this morning,
and I thought you might like these.
How very kind of you.
Yeah, I'm kind.
I suppose that's why I'd make
a good head of form.
- [SNEEZES]
- Ah
Well, save your efforts.
I've the hay fever.
[SNIFFS LOUDLY]
You're shameless.
Father says politics is a ruthless
game and every ballot counts.
Well, butter me up all your like, Gwendoline.
I do not have a vote.
Oh. And make your bed. Right.
[SEAGULLS CRY]
Come on in, Ellen.
It's wonderful.
It's not.
It's ghastly.
Freezing cold and seaweed.
Ellen, stick with me on the side.
Poor Ellen. Gwen's got her hooks
into her already.
Whoever's head of form
needs to look out for that.
Let go, Gwen.
Ellen, come with me.
Wait a sec.
The thing is
Don't let Gwen talk you out of it.
You'll love it once you're in.
But I can't
Yes, you can.
Follow me.
Wait!
No
Help!
Help!
Argh!
I can't swim!
It's all right, we've got her.
We're fine.
I've got you.
[ELLEN SPLUTTERS]
Are you all right?
I-I'm so sorry!
Why didn't you say?
I did try!
I'm desperate to learn,
but it's not my fault.
I live nowhere near the sea.
Not everyone does, you know!
Hot-headed, impetuous Darrell.
Some head of form you'd make.
She pushed me in last year as well,
you know. That was an accident
and this wasn't a push.
She actually slapped me,
right here in this pool.
What?! I have a hold
on my temper now.
I don't lose it any more.
Really?
You don't seem very calm right NOW.
[GIRLS LAUGH]
If you could all write your name
followed by my name and the form
on the front cover, please.
Gwendoline.
Sorry. Nearly done.
There. Don't they brighten
the classroom? Very nice.
I'd make it a regular thing
if I were head of form.
That's not how you spell my name.
Write it correctly on the board,
please.
"Park-er" - like a park.
Darrell - no C.
No. "Park-er".
Again, correctly.
I would expect better handwriting
from a possible head of form.
Oh, I see.
Class clown, are you?
No Sorry, Mr. Parker.
It's just that I've got word blindness.
Word blindness?
Is that so?
[ANGRILY] Write my name correctly,
young lady - now.
Parker, like parking a car.
Don't worry. Darrell's always
getting herself into trouble.
Parked car Darrell!
How dare you? No Sorry,
Mr. Parker, it's just,
my word blindness,
when I'm under pressure
Do you take me for a fool?
But it's true, Mr. Parker.
She has got something
200 lines for interrupting.
Education is a privilege.
I will not fool around in class.
That's not fair! You can't punish
her for being honest, it's wrong!
Get out. Stand outside for the rest
of the lesson and reflect
on your behaviour.
You will write the lines too.
Tut, tut.
In trouble already?
Are you sure you should be standing
for head of form, Darrell Rivers?
[MATRON CHUCKLES]
Mr. Parker, I want to say I'm sorry,
truly, I am. Am I supposed
to believe that after your behaviour just now?
I have a bad temper.
It's a terrible fault of mine,
but I'm trying to conquer it.
It's all well and good saying you're sorry,
but I need to see you mean it.
Um Very well, I'd
I'd like to withdraw my nomination
for head of form.
Accepted.
Um, the right response.
But we do need three nominations.
I have a suggestion for that.
And he said yes, so, Sally,
you're in the running for
head of form after all.
Aren't you pleased?
Yes, but sad for you, Darrell.
Don't be.
You'll be great.
If you want to pull out, fine.
But putting Sally forwards -
she could beat me.
The teachers love her. I'm sorry
At least say you'll vote for me.
I put Sally forward, so
I miss Betty.
She was a proper, loyal friend.
As your head of form
As the new head of form
Urgh.
Sally!
Sally?
Sally?
There you are. Poor Irene has piano,
so I said I'd write her lines.
What's up?
My speech, I'm utterly stuck.
But you've got great leadership qualities.
Even Alicia thinks so.
Do I?
I can't think of any.
You're kind, generous,
thoughtful, considerate.
Why not just say so? Because that
would be awfully conceited.
Being head is about helping others,
not showing off.
See, that's why you'd be the best head.
That's all you have to say.
Thanks, Darrell.
Now, let's pick up these papers
and see what you've got so far.
[BELL RINGS]
Settle down, girls.
Come along.
Good afternoon, girls.
Now we're all assembled,
let's hear from our nominees.
Remember, keep it brief.
Let's start with a question.
Why is a math book always unhappy?
Because it has a lot of problems.
[LAUGHTER]
I know that was a joke,
but I do think happiness
is the key to success.
So, problem solving and happiness
all around would be my aim
as head of form. That would include
no detention, no order marks -
and hot cocoa every day.
Good day, everyone.
I know many of you may think
of me as just a pretty face,
but Malory Towers and
our wonderful teachers
have sharpened my
less visible qualities,
and I now feel ready to lead.
To borrow from Mr. Churchill,
all my previous life has been
but a preparation for this hour.
Put your trust in me,
and I will not let you down.
What was that?
Thank you.
Claptrap.
Hot air.
Hello, everyone.
Being nominated is a huge privilege.
Thank you.
But I don't want to be head of form.
If I were voted in, I'd change
the title to form representative.
I'd see my job as representing each
girl's different needs
and making things fair and
equal for us all.
MISS GRAYLING: Thank you very much, girls.
Now, write one name on your paper
and post it in the ballot box.
We'll announce results tomorrow.
- [WATER DRIPS]
- Urgh
Ellen.
Hm?
I've been thinking.
As a new girl, you'd be much
better off in the middle bit,
so you can get to know everyone.
I'll help you move.
Er
That's very generous of you, Gwen.
Wait.
Is that water?
Are you swapping because there's a drip?
What drip?
You can't palm that off on the new girl, Gwen.
You'll have to wait
till Matron gets it fixed.
I don't mind.
I'll switch if it means that much to you.
You are a sport.
Stay where you are, Ellen.
What am I supposed to do?
I can't please you all.
Sally Hope, you're a bossy boots,
just like I said. But you're not
head of form yet,
and you may never be.
No, but it might be me,
and I agree with Sally.
No switching.
Don't worry. If I'm head, I'll make
sure to take all your minds off it.
Tomorrow night -
celebratory midnight feast?
Urgh.
Where are you going, Gwen? To report
the leak, because I'm a natural
leader, and it's the
responsible thing to do.
[VOICES INSIDE ROOM]
The moment of truth.
Who shall it be, I wonder?
I have no doubt the girls will
choose their head of form wisely.
And how many for Gwendoline?
Only two.
And one will be her own.
And Alicia?
Um, she seems to be the popular sort.
She's done very well.
She certainly doesn't lack
for charisma and enthusiasm.
[THEY LAUGH]
[LOUD BANG]
What was that?
Ah, yes.
Darrell's lines.
"Education is a privilege,
I will not fool around in class."
And look at her spelling,
is she very lazy or very stupid?
Darrell is neither of those things.
She has word blindness.
I'm sorry?
Dyslexia is the newer term for it.
Please, do read up.
Now, shall we?
[BELL RINGS]
[GIRLS LAUGH]
Good morning, everyone.
I'm pleased to announce we have now counted
the votes for the new head of form.
Mr. Parker.
Mr. Parker, Alicia Johns is totally
unsuitable to be head of form.
We should all vote again.
Wait until you hear
what she's planning to do tonight.
Gwendoline, is telling tales
a quality that's admired at Malory Towers?
Take a seat.
I just want to say that you did
a wonderful, wonderful job.
I'm SO proud of each
and every one of you.
It was a close run race.
But in the end, by one vote,
head of form went to
Sally Hope.
Whilst I applaud your desire
to change the role's name
to form representative, I'm afraid
we can't have new badges made.
Congratulations to Sally.
Er, girls.
I hadn't heard about this word
blindness business, Darrell.
I will look into it.
Oh, go on, then.
Dismissed.
It was a near thing.
And only one vote in it.
Who did you vote for?
I stood by the person I nominated.
Well, you got what you wanted, didn't you?
The head of form must be good,
you're the most fun person in the class,
I don't want to lose that.
No hard feelings?
Actually, yeah.
I'm devastated.
Tonight's feast is cancelled.
Gotcha!
Not really.
You're right, Darrell.
To be head, you have to be
dull as ditch water.
Sally's welcome to it.
Come on, let's celebrate.
Freedom and fun.
[LAUGHS]
[SLOW BIG BAND MUSIC]
[COUGHS AND SPLUTTERS]
[JEAN LAUGHS]
Don't laugh, Jean.
It's not kind.
Never had fizzy pop before.
Top up?
Thanks.
She didn't want any more.
I can speak for myself, Gwen.
I'd love another taste.
It's like swimming.
Just because I've never tried it before
doesn't mean I don't want to.
I could help you learn to swim, if you like.
- I'd like that very much.
- [THEY LAUGH]
Cheers.
Cheers.
Darrell, I've asked my brothers to
send me a trick in the mail.
You'll help, won't you?
Of course. So, what do you think it is?
I've no idea
You two look like you're plotting something.
Alicia's going to
Darrell, let's set a record on.
You can't tell Sally. She's head of form now,
she'll spoil the fun.
But I Promise you won't say?
Promise?
I'll never trust you again.
Um, what are you two whispering about?
Sally, let's dance.
Darrell? Nothing important at all.
[JAZZ MUSIC PLAYS]
Come on, Darrell. Cheer up.
Let's have some fun.
[THEY LAUGH]
ALL: Wooooo!
Again, again!
Woo!