All language subtitles for The.Browning.Version.1994

Mr. Gilbert?

Yes. Good morning.

We thought you might have
caught the earlier train, sir.

I did. It was late.

Allow me.

The historic hall...

Built 1550...

Destroyed by fire.

Rebuilt 1732...

Restored 1874.

It's very beautiful.

♪ praise him, praise him... ♪

Great chapel. Built
in the year 13...

sorry, sorry.

Wilson.

You're late.

But not really late.

I don't care.
Three minutes late.

Cromwells.
Today or tomorrow?

Today.

Any boy late for morning
prayers is given cromwells,

which is the word
for punishment.

If you ask me why
it's called cromwells,

I'll say "y"
is a crooked letter.

You can't make it straight.

Shut up, w... Mr. Gilbert,
new master for next term.

Show him in, please.

♪ praise him, praise him ♪

♪ praise him... ♪ ♪

Morning, Mr. foster.

Trouble with
the alarm clock again, sir?

Morning, boys.

- Morning, sir.
- Morning, sir.

Announcements.

The interhouse boat race
was won by ironsides.

And we have to thank
for the excellent organization

Mr. hunter.

Tomorrow, 2 P.M.,
cricket match...

staff and old boys
versus school first eleven.

Tomorrow evening at 8:30 P.M.,

concert by small choir
from the library steps.

Now, prize-giving on Friday
will be at 9 A.M.

So that Mr. Fletcher
can reach London

in order to join the mcc squad

in preparation for their match

against the Australians
at lord's.

Now, now, now, now.

No need to get overexcited.

There will be tears
before bedtime.

Mr. Fletcher is quitting teaching
to become a professional cricketer.

Wish him well for the future
at prize-giving.

Now, you will also want
to show your appreciation

to Mr. Crocker-Harris
on Friday.

Mr. Crocker-Harris is resigning
because of ill health.

He's been with us for 18 years.

He's taking up less arduous
duties at another school,

and I'm sure we're all
very, very sorry to lose him.

We'll be sorry
to lose his wife, also.

She's been with us
for 15 of those 18 years.

She's endeared herself
to us all so much.

Now, hymn number 555...

lead us, heavenly father,
lead us.

Who do you think is the best
left-arm bowler in the country?

You are!

No. Don't be ridiculous.

Oh! Make way
for Mr. Harris.

I'll do it on the back!

Where would you like it?

Come on, sir.
It's end of term, sir.

Please, sir.

I never promised.

I never make promises
to juvenile delinquents.

You just want to
see me blow myself up.

No, sir!

Please, sir.

Uh, excuse me, Frank.

I need the details
of your classes for next term.

Oh, right.

Uh, sorry, Andrew.

Um, could I get them
to you today?

I'd be obliged.

The final piece of the Jigsaw.

Would 12:00 at my house
be convenient?

All right, listen.

One more experiment.

If you let anybody know, I'll
have your heads, understand?

You're like policemen...

younger and younger.

Laura Crocker-Harris.

Tom Gilbert. I'm
replacing your husband.

You'll be head of
the new language department.

My husband was only head
of classical languages.

Could you do me a favor?

Could you point out
Mr. Frank hunter?

Follow me.

Laura, are we still
going into town?

Ah, darling,
I'll be right back.

Ah, Laura, going to miss your regular
attendance at morning prayers.

Thank you, headmaster.
I shall miss it, too.

The library won't be
the same without you.

Tell me, how is Andrew
taking all this?

Well, I hope.

Yes, headmaster.
He's, um, bearing up.

Very sad.

Did you get your
switch to science?

I'm just going to ask.

You work in the library?

Two days a week.

You supervise the sound system.

We need about 20 tannoys...

Good morning, Laura.

Hello, Laura.

Excuse me for interrupting.

This is Keith rafferty, head
of sciences, and Frank hunter.

Tom Gilbert...
Andrew's successor.

Hello. Hello.

Hello. The headmaster asked
me to show you your room.

I hear you rowed at Oxford.

God, another sportsman.

The head loves them on staff.

You'll need someone
to replace Frank

when he goes to the colonies.

We must keep our bodies
in shape, mustn't we?

Sir, um, I was wondering
if I could have a word.

The bell's rung.
Too late.

Cut along.

Sir?

Cut along.

Frank, we don't say
"cut along" anymore.

Oh? What do we say?

We say "fuck off."

And remember,
don't bully the big boys.

Pick on the little ones.

I should say hello
to Mr. Crocker-Harris.

Oh, um... Listen, you
can talk to him later.

We don't want to keep
the headmaster waiting.

Sir?

Do I disturb you, sir?

Perhaps.

I know the rules, sir...

But it's very important to me.

I...

h-have I...

have I got my switch
to upper fifth science?

You have obtained exactly
what you deserve...

no less and certainly no more.

And, taplow,

I shall expect you at the house

for extra work
at 12:15 precisely.

What is it?

I'd fixed to play golf.

Unfix it. You missed
an hour last week.

I won't take your father's
money under false pretenses.

He won't mind, sir.

I'm not sure I should take
your word for that, taplow.

No, sir.

The point is that
we mind, don't we?

Yes, sir. We mind.

12:15, extra work.

You're on exchange?

Just finished my
first year of three.

Do you like it?

It's a great place to teach.

You feel the history,
the tradition.

They put me up here
during my interview.

I didn't sleep a wink.

The beds also date to 1667.

I'll be fine.

It's only for two nights.

Are you married?

Yes.

Kids?

Yes. Two. We'll all
be here next term.

Found a place to stay?

Yes. We're taking
the Crocker-Harris house.

Oh.

Most of our classrooms
are in this building!

Move along!

Up here is
the upper fifth science,

where Mr. hunter
manufactures concoctions

with his own
perverted branch of learning.

Not as perverted
as the classics.

Won't Mr. Gilbert teach the
boys about rape and murder?

If you knew more
about the classics,

you'd be less keen
to destroy this planet.

Didn't Einstein say, "we don't
understand science properly"?

He said we don't know
how to use it sensibly.

Have a nice day,
Mr. Gilbert.

If only he had
a little more discipline.

Of course, he's an American.

He's coming.

Ah, boys, Mr. Crocker-Harris
not here yet?

Uh, six minutes to go yet, sir.

Ah, six minutes. Hello, Watson.
How's your father?

He's quite well, thank you.

My name's Wilson, sir.

Wilson, is it, really?

But your father's all
right just the same?

Yes, sir.
He's quite dried-out.

Well, well.

Now, boys,
this is Mr. Gilbert.

He'll be the head
of our new languages department.

I trust those who remain
in this class next term

will be well-behaved
with Mr. Gilbert.

Good morning, boys.

It might interest you to sit in on
this period, Mr... Mr... Gilbert.

Gilbert. Yes, Mr. Gilbert.

And observe your future
pupils in action.

Yes. If I see him,
I'll warn him.

Thank you, sir.

Boys, Mr. Gilbert doesn't take
over his duties until next term,

but he can still report

your misdoings to me today.

What's in it?

I put 150 milliliters
of hydrogen peroxide solution

in this water bottle.

Biggles had a nosebleed this
morning and donated this blood.

We just mix this with
the hydrogen peroxide solution.

Biggles, what do we got
in this jar here?

Iron sulfate.

Nick, what's the chemical
formula for iron sulfate?

Feso4, sir.

Very good.

What... hang on.

Now, this has
never happened before.

Um, boys,

I think you ought
to just back off now!

What's in your blood, Biggs?

O.K., boys,
what do you want to do next?

You there, what do you want?

Piss off, taplow.

Knock it off!

You tried to see me
this morning.

Yes, sir.

Why are you
following me around?

You with the c.I.A.,
mi5?

The lower fifth, sir.

Same thing.
What's your name, boy?

Taplow, sir.

I might be in your class
next term.

This isn't next term.
This is this term.

Vamoose.

Get out of here!

Taplow!

What's the chemical formula
for ethanol?

C2h5oh, sir.

Raus...
get out of here!

Oi, taplow!

What's up with the crock?

Why is he being
forced to retire?

There's nothing wrong with him.

He got the chop.

First time for 10 years,

he had it away with his wife,

had a heart attack.

Two, I should think.

It's not his heart.

It's probably piles.

Of course it's piles.

Grow up, buller.
It's his heart.

He hasn't got a heart.

Right. He's a sadist.

Cut it out, boys.
I'm not really interested.

It is his heart, sir.

I have extra lessons with him.

Sadists don't have hearts,
anyway.

Will you be running
special projects?

Yes, I believe so.

We want to start a magazine.

You allocate the funds.

Mr. Crocker-Harris
is in charge.

Well, sir, you see, Mr. Crocker-Harris
says no to anything new.

He doesn't hate people.

He doesn't like people, either.

And he doesn't care
whether people like him.

He hasn't a care.

You've obtained

exactly what you deserve...

No less and certainly no more.

If he gave us the chance...

...no less
and certainly...

I think we'd like him.

Now, I won't tell you again.

I feel sorry for him.

Sorry for old Hitler?

You little ass-crawler,
taplow!

Stop it now!

That's enough!

Good morning, sir.
I'm Gilbert.

Good morning.

Wilson.

Sir?

Apparently, you were
late for chapel.

Just a few seconds.

I-I was in the library.

You can't hear the bell.

You will recount those
excuses to your housemaster.

I'm not interested in them.

Sir.

These are your Latin verses.

Only one boy's efforts... buller's...
had any merit

and that somewhat doubtful.

The rest were
mainly abominable.

The best way of employing

the first part of this period

would be for all of you
to attempt the verse again.

And if you should find
the disturbance

from the upper fifth science
too distracting,

you may console yourselves,
as good classicists,

with the thought that,
to amend an aphorism...

Scientia est celare scientiam.

Taplow.

Yes, sir.

You laughed at my epigram.

Yes, sir.

I'm flattered at the advance
your Latin has made

that you should understand

what the rest of the class
did not.

Perhaps you would be good
enough to explain it to them

so that they can share
your pleasure.

Oh, come along, taplow.

Don't be so selfish as to
keep a good joke to yourself.

Tell the others.

I didn't hear it properly, sir.

You didn't hear it?
Indeed.

Then why did you laugh?

Why did you laugh
at what you didn't hear?

Politeness, sir.

I beg your pardon?

Politeness, sir.

Toujours LA politesse.

I'm touched, taplow, but if you
really wish to show me politeness,

you'll do so now
by translating verses

less appalling than the ones
I corrected this morning.

Sit.

Sir.

Still feel sorry for him?

Finish now.

As this is the, uh, last time

we shall meet as a class,

it may not be amiss
for me to say good-bye

and wish you all
the best of good fortune.

And now the end of term treat.

We will read a scene from
the agamemnon by aeschylus.

Agamemnon is perhaps
the greatest play ever written.

The scene I have selected

starts with clytemnestra
standing over the bodies

of agamemnon... her husband...
and the prophetess cassandra,

both of whom
she's just murdered.

Very well.

Laughton, begin.

Ah, forgive me for interrupting,
but I have the impression

you don't understand
what you're reading.

No, sir. I...

clytemnestra has
just committed murder.

She is describing her foul deed.
She's unrepentant. Hmm?

Don't you think
she would show some emotion?

Of course, sir.
I was just...

I realize that you
may not have met a wife

who has destroyed her husband,

nor perhaps had aeschylus.

Nevertheless, he knew, alas,
that such wives do exist.

He used his imagination,
laughton.

Imagination... a word I think
not in your vocabulary.

For example...

"I stand upon mine act.

Yea, where I struck."

Do you not think,
in saying those words,

she might reveal
a flash of cruelty

and of pride?

Hmm?

Defiant creature.

And then here.

"And I confess it.

"I did use such craft,

he could not fly
nor fend him against death."

"I caught him in a net
as men catch fish."

"No room, no rathole
in his loopless robe."

"I struck him twice."

"And once and twice he groaned.

He doubled up his limb."

"And with that stroke

committed him to Zeus
that keeps the dead."

Very well. You may leave.

Good luck, sir.

Good-bye, sir.

Good-bye.

Thank you very much, sir.

Good luck.

Good-bye, sir.

♪ Tra LA LA LA LA LA ♪

♪ tra LA LA LA LA LA LA ♪

♪ now is the month of maying ♪

♪ the merry month of maying ♪

♪ tra LA LA LA LA LA LA ♪ ♪

Oi! Walk!

Ah!

We've got to get him.

We'll get in trouble.

Trubshaw's always
picking on you.

You can do it tomorrow.

It will be a laugh.

What can they do?

Thank you, sir.

I realize, of course, you won't
be putting much emphasis

on the study of Greek
and Latin.

Perhaps they may be dropped
from the curriculum

or made optional extras.

My remit from the headmaster

is to organize a new
language department, sir.

That really means
modern languages.

I believe we need
a greater concentration

on German, French, Spanish.

It is, after all, a
multicultural society.

Ah, yes.
The modern approach.

Not so many years ago,

the great passion
was to learn Russian.

Then came perestroika.

Russian wasn't trendy anymore.

Yes. Well, thank you for
allowing me to observe.

Not at all.

Perhaps we shall
see each other later.

Hello. Anybody home?

Just me, sir.

Taplow, you are
following me around.

No, sir. I've got extra work
with Mr. Crocker-Harris.

He's not here yet.

And Mrs. Crocker-Harris?

No. She's not
here either.

What are you studying?

Aeschylus, sir.
The agamemnon.

Have you read it?

No, I haven't.
Is it good?

Um, well, as a matter
of fact, it is, really.

Well, what's it about?

It-it's about a wife

who's unfaithful
and murders her husband.

I get it. A comedy.

S-say, listen. Did you
talk to Mr. Crocker-Harris

about your transfer
to my science class?

Yes.

What did he say?

What he always says
to everything.

Come on. What is it?

Ahem.

You have obtained

exactly what you deserve...

no less and certainly no more.

Andrew?
Andrew, is that you?

Oh, what a pleasant surprise.

Hiya, Laura.

I didn't expect to see you.

Andrew said to come by.

It's about
next term's timetable.

And he's not here.

It's unlike Andrew
to be late, eh, taplow?

No, Mrs. Crocker-Harris.

Well, excuse me, gentlemen.

I think I'll just
go put these things upstairs.

You think she heard?

Heard what?

Me impersonating...

Frank.

I, uh, I've got
your timetable here, Andrew.

Just what I wanted.

Sorry I'm late, taplow.

Frank, we see you too rarely.

Hello, Laura.

You're late for taplow.

I have apologized.

I hope you'll join us
at the concert tomorrow.

I'm looking forward to it.

Taplow, why don't you
go get the lemonade?

Thank you,
Mrs. Crocker-Harris.

How have you been?

Frank, would you like to see

the timetable for next term?

I'd like that
very much, Andrew.

Take that outside, taplow.

We'll have our class
in the garden today.

Let's see...

There you are.

You've done a beautiful job.

It has clarity.

I don't know
what we'll do without you.

You'll find somebody else, or
perhaps they'll buy a computer.

Say, what exactly
is this new job of yours?

Teaching English to foreigners.

Andrew's doctor believes it'll be less
of a strain than the lower fifth.

I-I'm really sorry,
Andrew.

There's nothing
to be sorry about.

I'm looking forward
to the change.

See you later.

So long, Andrew.

Begin, taplow.

"Oh, clytemnestra,

we are surprised at..."

we marvel at.

"We marvel at thy tongue."

Mmm.

"How bold thou art
that thou can..."

"canst" is more poetic.

Canst.

"Canst utter such
a boastful speech."

Mmm.

"Over the... the bloody
corpse of the husband

you've just
so foully murdered."

Taplow, I presume you're using
a different text to mine.

No, sir.

That's strange.

I see no "foully murdered,"

no "bloody corpse,"

simply epandri...
husband.

Y-yes, sir.

Why do you insist
on inventing words

that are simply not there?

Go on, taplow.

Go on.
I wish to understand.

I think of it like this, sir...
there she is... clytemnestra.

She really hates
her husband agamemnon.

He returns
from winning the war.

What does she do?

She welcomes him
and then murders him.

She stabs him...

I'm delighted in your interest

in the more lurid aspects.

I fail to understand why you
wish to improve aeschylus.

Today in class, sir, I got
a sense of the horror.

It was so vivid.

Why can't we put more life into
translations, sir, like you did?

Why can't we use words
like "bloody," "corpse,"

and "murder"?

Hmm.

When I was a very young man

not much older
than you are now,

I wrote for my own pleasure

a translation of the agamemnon,

a very free translation, I
remember, in rhyming couplets.

That must have been hard.

Yes, very hard work.

I derived
great pleasure from it

because the play
moved me as it did you.

I wanted to communicate, however
imperfectly, some of that emotion...

A little like

what happened in class today.

My translation,
I remember thinking,

was very beautiful.

Almost more beautiful
than the original.

Was it ever published?

I'm sorry.

- Was it ever published?
- Oh, no, no.

No, it was never published.

Shall I go on, sir?

No. I fear
we've run out of time.

Um, may I go now, sir?

Yes.

And, taplow,

scientia est
celare scientiam...

the art of learning
is to conceal learning.

Your friends wouldn't find it
particularly funny.

I wouldn't know, sir.

Huh.

Turn that...

turn that
ghastly noise down! Off!

Now, buller?

Where's buller?

Your mother
has just telephoned.

She's awfully sorry,

but neither she nor your father

can get here today.

Take the train tomorrow...

shrewsbury.

She'll meet you at the station.

Sir.

You all right, buller?

Sir.

Good.

Keep the noise down.

I know it's hard, buller.

You'll get used to it.

Fuck off.

Oh, good morning.

Morning.

Sleep well?

Yes. Fine, thanks.

And you?

Yes. Fine, thank you.

There you are.

Oh, there's a letter for you.

Is everything all right?

Your mother all right?

Yes. Fine, fine.

Um, I forgot
to cancel the papers.

Do you need anything
from the village?

No. No, thank you.

Laura.

Were you expecting
someone else?

I thought we agreed that
we wouldn't meet here.

Who are you expecting?

Gilbert, the new guy.

Laura, come away
from the window, please.

Would you please
come away from the window?

Aren't you going to say hello?

Hello.

I love you guilty.

It's the puritan in you.

I love fucking you.

You talk when you make love.

The kettle...
it's just boiling.

Which is more, apparently,
than we can say for you.

I haven't got much time.

I don't think I have, either.

Tea?

Oh, Frank, you're more
English than the English.

Listen, if Gilbert does come,

let's just say you're
here delivering a message.

To hell with Gilbert.

I've got good news.

Oh?

What?

Don't worry.
I'm not pregnant.

I've had a letter
from my mother.

She's visiting
my sister in Canada.

I can have
her cottage in dorset

for the whole summer.

That's great.

Andrew starts his
new job in September.

I don't have to go immediately.

You and I can be alone...

If you like.

Just think, darling...

whole months.

You will come, won't you?

Frank?

Frank, I need you.

I need to be with you.

You know,
my father is not well.

I may have to go back
to the states.

You're gutless.
You remind me of him.

Of who?

Of whom.

Of whom. Of Andrew,
of course.

He didn't always used to be

the old crock, you know.

He wasn't much older than you

when I first met him.

He was so... Pure,
so...

So... Idealistic...

But just as ungiving.

What happened to him?

I did.

Weren't you two
ever happy together?

Can't remember.

Can't remember.

Laura, I...

I feel sorry for him.

No, you don't.

You feel guilty because
you're screwing his wife.

To be more accurate, because
his wife is screwing you.

I think we should tell him.

Tell him what?

About us.

What, are you insane?

That's the stupidest thing
I've ever heard.

What the hell would you
tell him for, Laura?

Are we talking
marriage, divorce?

I'm talking about us.

I don't want to become
just good friends.

Listen, Laura...

don't.

Deja vu.

I know exactly what
you're going to say...

you're not ready
to settle down.

Isn't that what you were
going to say?

Anyone home?

Come in.

Ah, Andrew, Andrew.

Can't stay long.
Lovely day.

Beautiful, yes.
Sit down.

Two things I wanted to discuss.

Can I offer you tea?

No. You have enough.

The two most
stressful things...

moving and divorce.

You know,
it's extremely unlucky

ill health should force
your retirement.

I felt I could have
continued, headmaster.

It was yourself and the
governors who thought...

I was going to say

it's unlucky you're retiring before
becoming entitled to a pension.

You have decided
not to award me a pension?

Not I. Not I.

Lord Baxter and the governors
thought long about it.

They were felt unable
to make an exception.

But, uh, exceptions
have been made in the past,

have they not?

Ah. Richardson. Exceptional
circumstances.

It was in playing football...

staff against school...

he received his injury.

Oh. I understand.

Oh, headmaster.

Ha ha.

I was just leaving.

Oh, well,
can I offer you a coffee?

It's too early for Sherry.

I'll leave you two.

Headmaster,
I've completed the timetable...

It's hot.

If you'd like
to take it with you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Andrew.

What do you make
of tom Gilbert?

He seems very agreeable.

High academic honors at Oxford,

chancellor's prize
for Latin verse.

Oh, Andrew got that, too,

and a double first.

Of course you did.

You must be one of the most
brilliant scholars

ever to come to this school.

You're very kind.

It's hard to remember because
you've done so much... timetable,

your heroic battle for so long with
the soul-destroying lower fifth.

My soul hasn't been destroyed
by the lower fifth.

No. I was only joking.

I see. What was
the other matter

you wished to discuss?

Oh, nothing.
I was saying, Laura,

two most stressing things...

moving house and divorce.

Well, bad luck, Andrew,

and, um...
I'll see you later.

Bye, sir.

Well, do we get it?

Do we get what?

The pension.

Do we get the pension?

No.

What?

No.

Why not?

It's against the rules.

Richardson got one.
Why can't you?

It was special circumstances.

He received his injuries
playing soccer for the staff

against the school.

What did you say?

Just stood there and
made some joke in Latin?

There was very little
I could say

in Latin or any other language.

I would have said something.

I'm sure you would.

Jolly well.

Do you know
what you are, Andrew?

You're a wimp.

You always were,
and you always will be.

A double
first-class wimp.

I think I could have
forgiven you anything

if you'd have once
said, "no. Enough."

Not just to me,

but to every setback
you've ever had.

♪ There was an old lady of 92 ♪

♪ parlez-vous! Ooh! ♪ ♪

Out.

Enough. Out.

Out. Out.

Out!

Not you, taplow.

Stay there.

Out! Move it.

Come on.

You go to the crock's house
for extra work, right?

Yeah.

"Yes, trubshaw."

Yes, trubshaw.

Very good.

What's the gossip there?

I-I don't know,
trubshaw.

Word is Mrs. Crocker-Harris is
having it off with somebody.

I-I really don't know.

Taplow, I've seen you.

Nothing happens without
you knowing about it.

Who's she shagging?

Who is it?

Dr. rafferty?

I've no idea, honestly.

Would you like to give her one?

Have you ever seen her tits?

I have.

She was in the library once.

She bent over.
No bra, nothing.

Gorgeous.

I bet you'd like to put your face
between them, you little wanker.

Your parents coming down today?

No.

No?

Oh. Why not?

Oh! Your mother's having it
off with somebody as well.

Word is...

She's a good fuck, your mother.

Is that right? Huh?

...to my left.

I've got the other half on my right,
in that direction over there.

Ahh! Mrs... Mrs...

Wilson.

Wilson. How are you?

10 spaghetti
and one lettuce leaf

isn't enough for a boy.

Ludwig says that's all he gets.

We pay enough in fees.

Please ensure
he's properly fed.

I'll speak to the kitchens.

I don't believe
in stuffing the boys.

Ah, king abakendi.
He owns most of Nigeria.

Really?

Your majesty.
How lovely to see you.

You know my wife Jane
and lord Baxter,

head of eurospace industries,
chairman of our governors,

and lady Baxter.

Delighted, delighted.

A chap from Nigeria
working for me...

I'm sure you know him.

What is his name?

Oh, he's doing
very well, this boy.

Marvelous job he's doing.

Now, your majesty,
lord Baxter and I

would like to discuss
our proposed...

What a lovely hat.

Lovely.

Opening the batting
for the masters

is their captain
David Fletcher.

This will probably be
the last time

we will ever see David
playing amateur cricket,

as he goes to London tomorrow
to join the mcc.

I'm sorry, sir.

It is I who should apologize.

This is your room, not mine.

If you'll allow me to continue
the chore of packing.

I came here because
this room is to become

the center
of the new language block,

and I didn't expect
anyone to be here.

I shan't be very long,
I promise you.

Please, don't hurry, sir.

This afternoon,
I was feeling rather nervous,

attack of the jitters.

I thought if I came
in here and rehearsed,

it might calm me.

I expect you'd
laugh at me for that.

Why would you expect that?

You keep such order.

I saw that yesterday morning.

They call you the Hitler
of the lower fifth.

That was clumsy of me, sir.

I'm sure nothing's meant by it.

You keep such wonderful
discipline, that's all.

The Hitler of the lower fifth?

They're not bad boys.

Sometimes a little wild
and unfeeling, perhaps,

but not bad.

In the beginning,
I tried very hard

to communicate
some of my own joy

in great literature
of the past.

I failed as you will fail

999 times out of 1,000.

A single success can atone

for all the failures
in the world.

Sometimes...
very rarely, it's true...

sometimes I had that success.

The Hitler of the lower fifth.

I'm desperately sorry.

Don't apologize.

I, uh, should have
known for myself

that I'm not only not liked

but positively disliked.

I realized many long years ago

that the boys
no longer laughed at me,

but I don't know why they
no longer found me funny.

Perhaps when you became ill.

No. No, I don't
think so.

I really don't know.

In the earlier years,
they used to laugh at me...

at me, not with me...
at my, uh...

Funny mannerisms
and tricks of speech,

which we all develop.

The Hitler of the lower fifth.

I would have thought
that by now

that epithet would have
lost its significance.

Apparently not.

Undoubtedly...

It will become my epitaph.

I'm sure they'll come up

with something
much worse for me.

Well, I bequeath you this room.

I wish you
a great success in it.

I'll do my best, sir.

And good luck to you
in your future career.

My future career?
Yes, thank you.

The, uh...

The boys do still
call me the crock,

don't they?

I've seen the various displays
of the very good work

that this money which we raise
will keep going.

And there's another four runs
to Fletcher.

Ah! Laura, Andrew.

Headmaster, lord Baxter.

Lord Baxter and I
would like to ask

to have a little chat
with you, Andrew.

Good time for a word?

With cricket,
you can talk and watch.

Well-put, Laura.

A little favor to ask you.

What would that be?

It concerns tomorrow's
prize-giving.

You're prepared
to say a few words?

I have made some notes.

Well-hit, Fletcher!

Good. I know I can trust
your discretion,

not to mention your wit.

These things are too long
and distressing.

I've included
a few puns and jokes.

That would be
extremely acceptable.

Oh!

Fine stroke, Fletcher.

Yes, that's good.
Just the thing.

I also want to touch
on a matter of some gravity.

No doubt, no doubt.

The favor I ask is Fletcher
is much, much junior to you,

and as such his speech would
come first and yours last.

Absolutely.

You know how the boys feel.

They simply adore David.

There could well be a terrific display
of emotion, difficult to cut short.

Fletcher's simply
racing to his talent!

So, do you wish me
to speak first?

I feel wretched about
asking you this, Andrew.

A thing must come
to a proper climax.

You understand, Laura?

Headmaster, I would not wish
to provide an anticlimax.

I'll speak first.

Don't take it amiss.

Nothing personal.
Boys will be boys.

They'd rather applaud
the sportsman than the scholar.

It's only natural.

Well-played!
Well-played!

The possibility of a century
here for David Fletcher.

Ah!

Isn't Fletcher
batting superbly?

Just fantastic, but I tell you,

every time he hits the ball,

I think he'll run
to first base.

This could be his 100.

Oh!

That's 100 for Fletcher,

100 runs,

probably the last over
before tea.

Tea, I think, everybody,
before the rush.

Terrifically good idea.

I'd love some lemon.

Mmm. Tea and cakes.

Are you coming to tea?

I'd rather watch
a little more cricket.

Frank, could you
escort Laura, please?

Sure.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

as you know, the school
supports many charities,

and some of the charities
that we do support

will have stands
in and around the chapel today

so that you can see
the sort of work

that the school is doing...

Sir.

I'm sorry to disturb you,

but I did want to see...

disturb me, indeed.
Well?

Well, taplow?

I...

I thought this
might interest you, sir.

A first translation
of the agamemnon, sir.

Good heavens.

The Browning version.

I don't think it's good.

I agree the translation
has its faults,

but I think
you'll enjoy it more

when you become more familiar

with the meter

that Robert Browning employs.

Very interesting, taplow.

It's for you, sir.

For me?

Yes, sir.
I've written in it.

Did you buy this?

Yes, sir.
It's only secondhand.

You shouldn't spend
your pocket money in that way.

T-that's all right.
It wasn't very much.

The price isn't inside, is it?

No. Only what you wrote.
Nothing else.

What's the matter, sir?

Have I got the accents wrong?

No. The porispomenon
is perfectly correct.

Oh.

Forgive me, taplow.

I've... I've been under
rather a strain.

Yes, sir.

I understand.

Good-bye, sir...
And the best of luck.

That's tea!

Ladies and gentlemen, the
umpires have poured tea,

which will be taken
in the large dining marquee...

Mr. Crocker-Harris.

Excuse me, sir.

Do you remember us, sir?

Don't tell me.
Don't tell me.

Wait a moment.
Trimmer, and you're Newton.

Yes, sir.

We just thought
we'd say hello, sir.

What have you been up to?

Banking, sir.

I'm managing director
of national Western.

And I'm in the army,
sir. Communications.

Communications, eh?

But nothing classical Greek,
I fancy.

Actually, Newton's the youngest
brigadier in the British army.

Indeed. Congratulations.

Stand easy, brigadier.

Well, it's very nice
to see you both.

I see Fletcher
got his hundred, sir.

It's to be expected.

He's superb and quite
beautiful to watch, isn't he?

Yes. Well,
continued success to you.

- And to you.
- Good luck, sir.

Sorry you're leaving.

I'm still terrified
of the old bugger.

Me, too.

Wonderful, Fletcher.
Well-played.

Splendid.

So there I was
in the hotel corridor,

absolutely naked and no key.

[Frank I wish I'd been there.

Hello, Andrew.

You're looking
pleased with yourself.

What have you done?

Well, I'm looking pleased
with reason, I think.

I've been given a present.

By whom?

Taplow.

Taplow.
That's fantastic.

What was the present?

It's a translation of the
agamemnon by Robert Browning.

Let me see.

Oh, he's inscribed it.

What does it mean?

Darling, what does it say?

Well, it's...
It's all Greek to me.

Mr. Gilbert, can you
enlighten us, please?

How marvelous.

It's a hexameter.

But what does it mean?

I'm not familiar with
Browning's version,

but roughly it translates as,

"God, from afar, looks graciously
upon a gentle master."

Oh, how sweet.

And very apt.

I can't imagine a boy
giving me a present.

It's a very wonderful
thing to do.

Yes.

He bought it
with his own pocket money.

What was the inscription?

"God, from afar, looks
graciously upon a kind master."

Perhaps not kind,
but gentle master.

Yes. I agree with Mr. Gilbert.
Gentle is better.

All right.
It's a lovely gift.

I'd rather have this
than anything I can think of.

Cunning little brat.

Why cunning, Laura?

Andrew, you don't
have any wine.

Can I give you some champagne?

Why cunning, Laura?

Because...

Yesterday I saw taplow

doing an impersonation
of you for Frank.

He was afraid I'd tell you

and you'd put him on cromwells

or stop his switch
to Frank's form

or some hitlerian torture.

The book is clearly
an insurance policy,

a sweetener, a bribe.

I see.

Laura, go and tell him
it was a lie.

Certainly not.
It wasn't a lie.

Then I'll tell him.

I wouldn't do that
if I were you.

He'd only hate you
for your sympathy.

Andrew doesn't need sympathy.

It's his strength.

Andrew?

I want to make something
clear about taplow.

He has a genuine
affection for you.

Andrew, please believe me.

I think you should
treasure that book.

I'd rather like
to be left alone

at the moment, thank you.

You may find that it will
have a special meaning.

Oh, yes,
it will mean something.

It will remind me
of my own foolishness.

You don't deserve this.

I mean...

You've been treated badly, sir.

By the school, you mean?

Not just by the school.

Never, never presume

to know the secrets
of a marriage.

Take my advice... Sir.

Make a new start for yourself.

You could still find someone

who will care for you...

Who will be loyal,
and who won't...

Who will... Be faithful.

Ah.

Hmm.

We...

We were incompatible from the moment
we met, although neither of us

realized that at the time.

Of course, Laura was
only 22 years of age.

We both required love
but of different kinds.

Worlds apart.

Worlds apart.

So it's not really
very tragic...

Or abnormal.

It's... Just a problem
of a dissatisfied wife

and an inadequate husband...

Often, I believe,
a subject for farce.

Is there anything
I can do to help you?

I'd like to help you.

Yes. Don't take sides.
It's so very unbecoming.

How was that?

Did you see that, Andrew?

112 not out, Fletcher,

and 7 for 23.

Skittled out the school.

Skittled them out.

Let me do that.

You left taplow's
present behind.

I put it in your study.

Thank you.

It wasn't a very good
impersonation.

I'm... I'm sorry.

Laura.

We, uh...

We inhabit different
worlds, you and I.

We always have.
We always will.

What are you saying?

I'm saying no.

I'm saying enough.

Better not keep
the headmaster waiting.

Do you still expect me to
come to your prize-giving?

I don't think either of us
has the right any longer

to expect anything
of the other.

Right.
Well, I'll leave

first thing tomorrow
morning, then.

As you wish.

And does your new school

provide splendid
accommodation for staff?

We haven't found
anything that we like yet.

I just read somewhere

the two most stressful
things in life

are moving house and divorce,

so, Laura, if I were you...

I've finished my rounds.

I often think
being a headmaster

is like being a headwaiter,

except headwaiters must speak
at least five languages.

This isn't
the best moment, sir,

but we're not
staying the night.

If ever you need
any financial advice,

assistance, indeed, anything of
that sort, please telephone.

I'd like to help.

Think of it as, um...
As repayment.

Thank you very much.

This is extremely civil of you.

See you.

O.K.

Good night.

He's in for a shock.

Aah!

What's going on?
Are you all right?

Yeah! Yeah!

You little fucking bastards.

Yes.

Hello.
Anybody there?

Oh, foster.

Sorry to disturb you.

I've come to pick up
Mrs. Crocker-Harris.

Oh, yes. She's upstairs.
Laura, Mr. foster's here.

I'm coming.

Glorious day.

Indeed, sir.
Glorious.

Sorry to hear about
your mother-in-law, sir.

Ah, yes. Yes.

Must be a disappointment, sir.

Your wife not being there
for your farewell speech.

And... Well, if I may
be so bold, sir...

Well, what is it, foster?

Well, I'd just like to say

the place won't be the
same without you.

Thank you, foster.
That's very kind of you.

Ah, hello, foster.

Would you mind? There's a
couple of suitcases upstairs.

Thank you.
I think there's just two more.

Well, now, I mustn't be
late for the prize-giving.

No. No.

You look very impressive.

Yes.

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

Ah, Andrew, there you are.

Right.
Follow me, everyone.

Headmaster, I must tell
you I've changed my mind.

I wish to speak second.

What about
Mr. Fletcher?

He'll speak first.

But you promised yesterday.

I now see the matter
in a different light.

We're ready for... just
a second, trubshaw.

If you speak second... it will be
the most dreadful anticlimax.

Be that as it may,
it's my privilege.

We agreed yesterday.

All right, follow me, everyone.

The de Mille prize
for French studies...

S.R. Ryan.

The Thompson prize
for excellence...

S. Trubshaw.

Hanson cup for biology...

E.R. Morris.

Ladies and gentlemen,
it's my painful duty

to listen with you
to some sad words

from two masters
who are leaving us.

First, I shall call upon...

First, let us call upon

Mr. David Fletcher!

I thought you were
going to speak first.

Well, chaps,...

Ahem.

I'm not much good,
you know, um...

You know, on my feet.

Except when I'm
running between the wickets.

So I'll just say I'm really...

Sad, you know,

to be leaving
this wonderful old place.

I've loved it here.

So, you know...

Good luck and...

Good-bye.

Now three cheers
for David Fletcher.

Hip, hip...

Hooray!

Hip, hip...

Hooray!

Hip, hip...

Hooray!

And now...

Mr. Andrew Crocker-Harris.

Study of the classics,
in my view,

is the foundation
of our culture,

and culture is simply
an expression

of what is best in society...

philosophy...

Decent government,
justice, art, language.

Our classical heritage
is no longer valued.

And how can we help
mold civilized human beings...

If we no...

If we no longer believe...

In civilization?

I am sorry.

I'm sorry because...

I have deserved the epithet

Hitler of the lower fifth.

I'm sorry because
I have failed to give you

what it is your right
to demand of your teacher.

Sympathy, encouragement,
humanity.

And I have degraded the noblest
calling a man can follow...

the care and molding
of the young.

When I came to this school...

I still believed that...

That I...

I had a vocation for teaching.

I knew what I wanted to do,

and yet I did not do it.

I can offer no excuses.

I have failed
and miserably failed.

I only hope
you can find it in your hearts,

you and the countless others
who've gone before you,...

To...

Forgive me
for letting you down.

I shan't find it easy
to forgive myself.

That is all.

Sir? Sir?

Taplow. Boys.

Good-bye, sir.

Good-bye, taplow.

Gentlemen.

Taplow?

Hmm. Well, it means

if you have any regard
for me next term,

kindly refrain from
blowing yourself up

when you switch to science.

Thank you, sir.
Yes.

Well-done, taplow.

Thanks a lot.

Well-done.

Well...

You'll miss your train.

I'll...

I'll write.