S01E01 Part One
Although he once had dreams of a life in academia, injured soldier David Powlett-Jones arrives at Bamfylde a broken man haunted by the horrors of the front. Long, solitary walks and encouragement from Headmaster Herries...
To Serve Them All My Days
The BBC's classic story of an English schoolmaster's life of tragedy and triumph between the wars
S01E09: Part Nine
Outraged by Alcock's campaign to interrogate boys he suspects of ""unhealthy friendships"", David lashes out and Carter moves on. David becomes fascinated with Christine, a feisty upper-class socialist and politician who despises Bamfylde.
Overview
After barely surviving the trenches of World War I, an embittered young soldier takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, an elite boarding school in the uplands of West Devon. It is an unlikely job for a Welsh miner's son without a degree, but David Powlett-Jones (John Duttine) proves to be a rare schoolmaster, as passionate about learning as he is about teaching. Through two tumultuous decades, Powlett-Jones inspires his students with his courage and idealism, qualities that help prepare him to send another generation of young men off to fight yet another war.
Episodes
S01E02 Part Two
On a holiday in Wales, David meets Beth, a vivacious young nurse from Swansea who literally sets her cap at him. After months of corresponding, David invites Beth to visit Bamfylde for the Founders' Day...
S01E03 Part Three
David faces his wedding day with Howarth's gruff encouragement. Beth settles happily into life at Bamfylde, but David becomes agitated over a confrontation with Carter and a wealthy board member.
S01E04 Part Four
The twins arrive, and David gets an opportunity to shine as a substitute housemaster. Beautiful Julia Darbyshire takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, but she finds the atmosphere stifling and the isolation unbearable.
S01E05 Part Five
David takes over Havelock House for good and makes a curious choice for house captain. Everything goes well until Winterbourne, a Havelock boy, goes missing.
S01E06 Part Six
Stumbling about the moors, David finds a reason to return to Bamfylde and carry on. Five years later, sustained by his teaching and friendships with Herries and Howarth, he resumes his writing.
S01E07 Part Seven
When Herries announces his retirement, Carter and David square off in the competition for the new headmaster's position. Julia's gentle persuasion helps David overcome his reticence to love again but she declares that she will...
S01E08 Part Eight
As Alcock takes charge and Herries bows out, the contrast between the two men is stark. The new headmaster proves to be interested in economy and sanitation above all else.
S01E09 Part Nine
Outraged by Alcock's campaign to interrogate boys he suspects of ""unhealthy friendships"", David lashes out and Carter moves on. David becomes fascinated with Christine, a feisty upper-class socialist and politician who despises Bamfylde.
S01E10 Part Ten
Alcock arranges a formal board hearing to air his grievances against David. Despite the risk, David continues to take time away to support Christine's political career. At the hearing, Alcock issues an ultimatum.
S01E11 Part Eleven
The masters bid farewell to Alcock in their own unique ways. David becomes the heir apparent to the headmastership, but Herries cautions David that the job won't be handed to him.
S01E12 Part Twelve
Preliminaries to World War II have started. To David's delight and amazement, Christine shows up at Bamfylde to enroll a new student. A trip home to Wales for a family death stirs David's emotions about...
S01E13 Part Thirteen
David revels in his new life as headmaster and husband, but Christine struggles to find her place at Bamfylde. Howarth makes a telling final request, and a letter reveals the imminent loss of another dear...
Cast
Frank Middlemass
Algy Herries
Jonathan Duttine
David Powlett-Jones
Kim Braden
Julia
Susan Jameson
Christine Forster
Alan MacNaughtan
Howarth
Patricia Lawrence
Ellie Herries
Neil Stacy
Carter
Charles Kay
Alcock
John Welsh
Cordwainer
Cyril Luckham
Sir Rufus Creighton
Belinda Lang
Beth
Norman Bird
Alderman Blunt
