Original subtitles

[Woman] ♪ Those schoolgirl days ♪

♪ Of telling tales ♪

♪ And biting nails are gone ♪

♪ But in my mind ♪

♪ I know they will ♪

♪ Still live on and on ♪

♪ But how do you thank someone ♪

♪ Who's taken you from crayons to perfume? ♪

♪ It isn't easy ♪

♪ But I'll try ♪

♪ If you wanted the sky ♪

♪ I would write across the sky ♪

♪ In letters ♪

♪ That would soar a thousand feet high ♪

♪ To sir ♪

♪ With love ♪

♪ Those awkward years ♪

♪ Have hurried by ♪

♪ Why did they fly away? ♪

♪ Why is it, sir ♪

♪ Children grow up ♪

♪ To be people one day? ♪

♪ What takes the place of climbing trees ♪

♪ And dirty knees in the world outside? ♪

♪ What is there for you ♪

♪ I can buy? ♪

♪ If you wanted the world ♪

♪ I'd surround it with a wall ♪

♪ I'd scrawl ♪

♪ These words with letters 10 feet tall ♪

♪ To sir ♪

♪ With love ♪♪

Cor, my bleedin' feet.

Oh, hello, Mrs. Joseph.

Oh, I like your hair. What do you call that, strawberry blonde?

Go on. You're only jealous. [Laughing]

Gert, whatcha got for the old man's supper tonight?

Him, he'll be lucky to get faggots and peas pud, he will.

He can't do much on that, can he, eh?

[Both Laughing]

All I want him for is to keep me feet warm.

- [Man] Tickets, please. - Excuse me, dearie.

Thank you. Here, Gert. Wouldn't mind having this little lot...

in my stocking for Christmas, eh? [Gert Laughing]

You wouldn't know what to do with him. You've been a widow too long.

You speak for yourself. It's like riding a bicycle. You never forget how.

[Women Laughing]

I tell you what I'll do. I'll send my Alfie along to you.

- He's not bad once he gets going. - Well, I hope he's well sprung.

[Women Laughing]

[Children Chattering]

[Toilet Flushing]

Morning.

Looking for someone, mate?

Nope.

Nice day, isn't it?

[Distant Chatter, Laughter]

[Chatter, Laughter Grow Louder]

Oh! Sorry.

[Door Closes]

Hackman's in the staff room.

Where he bleedin' well belongs. Yeah.

[All Shouting]

[Chatter, Laughter Continue]

[Door Closes]

Good morning.

My name is Thackeray. I'm a new teacher.

Yes. We were expecting you.

So you're the new lamb for the slaughter.

Or should I say "black sheep"?

No, just a teacher, Mr. Hackman.

I'm not Hackman. Perish the thought.

He's departed. God rest his soul.

He's probably pouring out his woes to the divisional officer by now.

Oh. Oh. Weston.

I'm Mrs. Evans. Grace. Deputy head.

Mrs. Evans.

Have you seen any of the children yet?

I looked in on Mr. Hackman's class for a moment. Hmm.

I take them for domestic science.

[Chuckles] Like a cup of tea?

No. No, thank you. Not just now.

You been teaching long?

This is my first appointment.

[Chuckles] We call them jobs.

American, are you? British.

From British Guiana. But I've spent some years in the States.

Oh. Where? In California.

Oh. Weather as good as they say?

It's better. [Chuckles]

Uh, what was your subject?

What did you major in?

Engineering. Oh!

Well, uh, I must be off.

Make yourself at home. Wander around if you like or stay here.

I'll introduce you to the others at lunch.

Thank you.

[School Bell Ringing]

[Ringing Stops] [All Chattering]

This is Gillian, Mr. Thackeray.

[Door Closes] Gillian Blanchard.

Hello. How do you do?

She's new here too. Came the day before yesterday. Tea, Gillian?

Thank you. [Door Opens]

[Chattering]

This is Mr. Mark Thackeray, the new replacement.

How do you do? Josie Dawes, Euphemia Phillips.

They teach the little ones.

Theo Weston you know. Yes, I've had the pleasure.

He mistook me for Hackman. I heard he's fled.

I can't say I blame him. That shower of humanity is enough to destroy anybody.

He got what he deserved.

I'm Clinty Clintridge. How are you?

Clinty's a marvelous artist. Got one into the Royal Academy a couple of years ago.

Teaching provides the bread and butter.

That's all the staff, except for Mr. Bell, our PT instructor.

Well, I do hope you're going to stay with us.

I shouldn't if I were you, old man.

- I should row home while you've a chance. - Don't discourage him, Weston.

Well, I must go.

I have to fix a bath for one of the girls in Clinty's class. Why?

Oh, the kids are complaining again. Won't sit near her.

[Thackeray] What's the matter? Personal hygiene problems.

Fourteen and helpless.

You men are lucky.

The things we women have to do for these kids.

Gillian dear, encourage him to stay.

[Whispers] Why is it everyone thinks I need encouraging?

[Whispers] They said the same to me.

There's something frightening but at the same time challenging about this school.

Do you know there's no form of corporal punishment?

Or any punishment, for that matter? None?

No. And I've no real teaching experience, so I'm a little lost.

Well, I don't have any experience either.

Oh. Oh, well, of course it'll be much easier for you.

I'm a little afraid of them. ♪♪ [Rock]

Midday dance session.

During lunch break the older kids use the hall.

I sometimes join them. Even the old man shakes a leg on occasions.

Dancing is merely their way of keeping fit...

for the more exciting pastime of teacher baiting.

Couldn't you manage to be a bit less discouraging?

It's the last thing I want to do.

The music's louder than usual.

They're probably celebrating their victory over Hackman.

I'd better go and see Mr. Florian.

I'll show you the way.

[Woman] ♪ I gotta find out ♪

♪ I just wish I knew ♪

♪ Somebody help me I just gotta know ♪

♪ What is the cause that started this round? ♪

♪ I wish I knew who it could be ♪

♪ I've gotta find out because it's torturin' me ♪

♪ I gotta find out ♪

♪ Uh-huh ♪

♪ I just wish I knew ♪ They're good, aren't they?

- I suppose so. - ♪ Who it could be ♪

- ♪ I've gotta find out ♪ - The head's study is this way.

♪ Because it's torturin' me I've gotta find out ♪

♪ I ♪ ♪♪ [Stops]

Um, do you two‒

[Boy] Don't know. Never had it. [Laughter]

Do you two shake?

Um, well, I'll, uh, see you later, Mr. Thackeray.

[Girl] Well?

I, uh‒ Thank you, but I have to go and see the principal.

[Students Laughing]

♪♪ [Resumes]

♪ I just wish I knew ♪♪

[Man] You've excellent qualifications, Mr. Thackeray.

Astonishing ones, in fact... as a communications engineer.

Field experience in South American‒ Why do you want to be a teacher?

Reasons.

You've already tried to get an engineering post?

I've tried for 18 months now.

Mm-hmm.

We have no blueprint in North Quay.

Most of our children are rejects from other schools.

We have to help them as best we can.

We have to teach them what we can and as much as we can.

The local authorities are not totally on our side.

And from the moment you accept this position,

you'll be entirely on your own.

Of course, I and the staff will do everything we can to help you,

but success or failure will depend entirely upon you.

- Now, what's it to be? - I want the job, sir.

Good. Then it's settled.

Now, tomorrow you'll take over Hackman's class.

[Thackeray] Sapiano. Yeah!

Wong. Yes.

Osgood. Yeah.

Tuffen. Yeah.

Pegg.

Pegg? Yeah.

Joseph. Yeah.

Dare. Yeah.

Potter. Potter! Yeah.

Denham. Hmm.

Buckley. Yeah.

Purcell. Hmm.

Fernman. Yeah.

Jackson. Yeah.

Strong. Yeah.

Seales.

Seales! Yeah.

Palmer. [Palmer] Yes, guv'nor.

Campbell. Present.

I don't know how much you know, so we'll start from scratch.

First, as I call your name,

will you please read anything you like from one of your school books.

- Fernman. - Right.

"Only those who..." "Arrived."

"arrived on horseback...

or in a public coach..." [Thackeray] Thank you.

Denham.

"If 14 hens lay an egg a day for 30 days,

how much are the eggs a dozen, and how many have you to sell?"

[Laughter] Moira Joseph.

"Pete Gilroy's weight and the ever-tightening 'noosie'...

about her neck..." [Boy] That's nice. Cor.

"about her neck began slightly...

to 'impeddie' the wild mare's speed.

But Pete was only too fully aware of what his fate would be,

for he could not hope to escape death from being battered and crushed."

Put that away, please.

[Squeaks]

[Toy Squeaks]

Thank you.

[Scattered Chuckling]

Is there anyone else who would like to read?

Your name, please? Pamela Dare.

"And he had learned to love. I know not why.

For this in such as him seems strange of mood.

But thus it was. And though in solitude,

small power that nipped affections have to grow.

And in this glowed when all beside had ceased to glow."

Well done! [All Cheering]

[Cheering Continues]

Thank you, Miss Dare. Next: weights and measures.

What's "avoirdupois"?

"Avoirdu" what? Avoirdupois.

- Weights. - Oh, yeah.

Uh, heavyweight, light-heavy, cruiser weight,

middle, light, bantam, fly, featherweight.

[Boy] Hey! Thank you very much.

[Cheering, Laughing]

It's encouraging that you have a sense of humor.

It seems you know so little and are so easily amused,

I can look forward to a very happy time.

Now, copy down the following tables.

[Murmuring] Who does he think he is, the cheeky devil.

[Tapping]

Hello, Ducks. Hello.

[Chuckles] Thought you might need this.

Thank you. How'd it go?

Well, let's just say the battle was joined.

Ahh! I don't know what we'd do without a cup of-

What's your name? Thackeray.

I know that. I mean your other name.

Mark. Mark.

A couple of things, Mark.

We all know the old man's views.

Basically, we agree with them.

But he's safe in an office.

Now, these kids come from homes where an order is usually accompanied by a blow.

One rude word to their parents, the roof'll hit 'em.

There's nothing like that going on here, right?

So they've got us at a great disadvantage.

Hackman tried to be popular. He hung himself.

Weston couldn't care less about them. Well, that's no good.

[Sighs]

I can't guide you, but...

don't take any nonsense from these little tykes.

They're good kids, Mark. Most of them.

But if you don't solve them, they'll break you, and damned quickly.

That's been tried... by experts.

They're very expert.

Please, can I leave the room, guv?

Yes. And it's "Thackeray."

Oh. Yes, guv. [Laughter]

Now, most of you girls help your mothers with the shopping.

So sorry, Mr. Thackeray. Proper drafty in these parts, isn't it?

[Laughter]

About multiplying.

There are a few valuable tricks to know.

Say that you're offered roast beef at seven shillings per pound.

Potter! Must you do that?

I can't help it, sir. It's me desk.

Aw, poor old Potts. [All Chattering]

Blimey, did it make a noise?

[Chattering Continues]

[Thackeray Clapping]

Sit down.

[Murmuring]

I'll speak with the caretaker about it after school.

[All Chattering] Aw, isn't that nice? Lovely.

I hope I didn't miss nothing. Where was he, Pam, love?

Oh, yeah. About shopping or something, wasn't it? That's enough, Denham.

Well, I was only asking, Mr. Thackeray.

Don't wanna miss nothing, now, do I?

Hey, Bert, he was just about to show us a new, invaluable trick.

Oh, yeah. When you're shopping, well, you see‒

I said, that's enough. Sit down.

Do exercise four, five and six.

[Chattering In Protest]

Very quietly.

Don't worry. The worst is still to come.

You're still getting what's known as the "silent treatment."

What's the next phase?

Well, unless you can work up a little black magic,

these little bastards have a multitude of tricks.

Why did you take up teaching?

Oh, it's good to have some kind of a job.

But I'm teaching them nothin'. [Clucks Tongue]

- I'm not even getting to first base. - [Gillian] Don't worry.

Your lot'll be leaving this term. The next lot will be better.

They'll be just as bad. Probably worse.

Then what's your answer?

What they need is a bloody good hiding.

I feel rather sorry for them, you know?

I mean, most of them can hardly read.

You're so naive, my dear old colleague.

They'll be earning twice as much as us before you can shake a stick.

They'll happily be part of the great London unwashed‒

illiterate, smelly and quite content.

An education's a disadvantage in this day and age.

That is ridiculous. [Weston] But still true.

So you had better start brushing up on your voodoo...

if you wish to remain sane.

Good morning. [All Chattering]

All right. Take your seats.

Ooh! All right, sir?

I hope you didn't hurt yourself, sir. Ooh, are you all right?

Gee, cheap stuff they're sellin' nowadays.

Want me to help, sir?

[Students Murmuring]

[Quietly] Sit down.

Take your proper places.

Here, we can move around here, you know, sir. [Chattering In Agreement]

Take your proper places.

[Disappointed Chattering]

Here, don't go climbin' all over the seats.

Don't behave like a monkey.

[Chattering Continues]

Lads, come on. Sit down.

Keep quiet.

[Yawns Loudly]

Beg your pardon.

[Metal Clattering]

Something the matter, Seales?

Seales, is something wrong?

It's me mum. She's awful sick.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Anything I can do?

No, nothing.

She's English. I see.

You're like my old man, excepting you're bigger and younger.

Rotten bastard. You shouldn't speak like that about your father.

You know nothing. I hate him! Hate him! Why not, eh?

I'll never forgive him for what he did to me mum. Never!

Well, he married her, didn't he? Didn't he?

[Train Passing]

[Thackeray] Today let's take a look at South America.

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. "Fackery."

The bloody things just slipped.

The name is "Thackeray."

And they're not bloody things.

They were a pile of books. [Boy Laughing]

That's a good one, that is, squire.

Pam, love, it's not a bloody pile, but it's a pile of books.

- [All Laughing] - All right. Settle down.

- I was only tryin' to help, Mr. Thackeray, sir. - [Denham] That's right, Mr. Thackeray.

Old Curly was only tryin' to put the little scrubber in her place.

Denham! I know what Curly was trying to do!

Now, just settle down.

We are going to study South America.

Now, turn to page 37 in your geography book.

[Chattering, Laughing]

"...from whence the honey sprung.

They were alone but not as alone as they...

who shut in chambers think it loneliness.

The voiceless sand and the drooping caves that lay around them...

made them to each other press as if there were no life beneath the sky...

[Creaking]

save theirs and that their life could never—"

Sorry, love. It's the bleedin' desk.

Do you use such words when you're speaking to your father?

You're not my bleedin' father!

[School Bell Ringing]

[Books Slamming Shut]

[All Chattering] [Girl] What I wanna know is, who does he think he is?

[Door Closes]

[Ticking]

[Students Chattering] Shh!

[Boy] Hey, shut up! Shut up! [Chattering Stops]

Morning. Morning.

Hello, Thackeray. Morning.

How goes it? Fine, thank you, sir.

[Students Chattering]

[Chattering Stops]

All you boys, out!

And the girls stay where they are!

- What's the matter, Mr. Thackeray? - Out!

Out at once, before I‒

I am sick of your foul language,

your crude behavior and your sluttish manner!

There are certain things a decent woman keeps private.

And only a filthy slut would have done this.

And those who stood by and encouraged her are just as bad.

I don't care who's responsible! You're all to blame!

Now, I'm going to leave this room for five minutes, by which time...

that disgusting object had better be removed...

and the windows opened to clear away the stench!

If you must play these filthy games, do them in your homes...

and not in my classroom.

- Whatever is the matter? - Man, oh, man.

I lost my temper. The one thing I swore I would never, never do.

God, did I lose my temper. What happened?

I never would have thought after all of the bull I've taken in my life‒

In a few short weeks, those kids have got me so steamed up...

so‒ so easy, so quickly.

I never would have thought it.

Look, perhaps you're trying too hard.

Those kids are devils incarnate, huh?

I've tried everything. Everything! But nothing I try...

Kids.

What?

Kids. That's it.

Kids.

[Door Opens, Closes]

Those are out.

They are useless to you.

I suddenly realized that you are not children‒

that you will be adults in a few weeks,

with all the responsibilities that implies.

So, from now on you will be treated as such by me and by each other‒

as adults, responsible adults.

Next, we are going to be reasonable with each other.

We are just going to talk, you and I.

You are going to listen without interruption, and when I am finished,

one of you may have your say without interruptions.

Next... Oh, blimey, what a morning I've had!

First of all, the bleeding alarm didn't go off.

Then I had to wait hours for a bus.

I must've stood there about three hours waiting for a bus. Example.

There are two ways to enter a room.

One is like an adult, a lady with dignity. The other is like a brat.

Miss Dare has just shown us the second way.

Perhaps you would care to demonstrate the first.

[Quietly] I'm sorry I'm late.

[Murmuring]

Next, we are all going to observe certain courtesies in this classroom.

You will call me "sir" or "Mr. Thackeray."

The young ladies will be addressed as "miss,"

the boys by their surnames.

Here, why should we call 'em miss? We know 'em.

I beg your pardon?

I said, "Why should we call them miss, sir? We know 'em."

Is there anyone of these young ladies you feel...

does not deserve to be addressed as miss? [Chuckles]

No, sir. Good.

Next, general deportment.

First, the young ladies.

They must prove that they are worthy and appreciative...

of the courtesies we are going to show them.

Soon boyfriends and marriage will concern you.

No man likes a slut for long.

Only the worst type will marry one.

And the competition for men on the outside is rough.

Next, men.

I've seen garbage collectors who are cleaner.

Toughness is a quality of the mind, like bravery, honesty and ambition.

If you want to wear your hair long, clean it,

else you will soon get lice and smell.

Soon your principal interest will be girls.

You will be much more attractive to them with clean clothes,

clean shoes, hands, face, teeth, et cetera.

Now, any... any questions?

- Miss Pegg. - What about Mr. Weston, sir?

He's never tidy, and his shoes is never brushed.

And his hair's a mess, isn't it? Yeah! It's filthy!

[Students Chattering In Agreement] Mr. Weston is not your teacher. We won't discuss him.

I'm the one to criticize if I fail to maintain the standards I ask of you.

That's not fair.

Sir... or Mr. Thackeray. Didn't you understand?

That's not fair,

sir.

I agree. But that's just an example...

of the many things you'll have to put up with when you're an adult.

You'll just have to take it.

Next, we are going to talk about various‒

Oh.

Good morning. Good morning.

I just wanted to see how you were getting on. Fine, thank you, sir.

Good. Well, thank you.

[Chattering]

What is it?

Palmer.

What are we gonna talk about, sir?

About life, survival,

love, death, sex,

marriage, rebellion,

anything you want.

[Murmuring]

[Man On Record Player] ♪ No matter what you do ♪

♪ No matter what you say ♪

♪ I've had enough of you ♪

- ♪ No matter what you do ♪ - I never did see one like him, Pam.

Even when he blew his stack, no swearin' or nothin'.

Blimey. Ain't natural, that's what.

Does he really mean what he says?

I don't know. It'd be a change, though, wouldn't it?

To see those creeps acting like gents. Yeah.

Here, which one do you fancy?

I like Babs. Yeah?

Watch this.

Come on, Pam, luv.

Aw, get lost Denham.

I don't like your smelly tricks, do I?

And it's Miss Dare to you.

Get stuffed.

Come on, then, luv.

You heard what sir said, Mr. Smarty Denham!

If you wanna dance with me, you bleedin' well ask proper!

[Laughter]

Uh, may I have the pleasure of this dance, Miss Pegg? Blimey! Good old Potts!

- Mmm, get you, Potter. - Shut up!

Who does he think he is, bleedin' Fred Astaire?

Yeah! Come on, Miss Pegg. [Laughter]

♪ You took my love for granted ♪

- ♪ And you pushed your love too far ♪ - Oh, look at me.

I am a lady, I am.

[Laughter]

♪ Just as far as I can go ♪

♪ I've had it up to here and I want out ♪

♪ No matter what you do ♪

♪ No matter what you say ♪

♪ I've had enough of you ♪

Rotten tarts, all of them.

Bleedin' chimney sweep was right about that.

Well, you won't catch me spending me nicker on them, that's for sure.

♪ I've had it up to here and I want out ♪

- Hey, he said we could talk about anything, didn't he? - You're so right, Tich, me old mate.

He did say we could ask him anything. [Chuckles]

Questions and answers, eh?

♪ You took my love for granted ♪♪

Yes, Denham.

Uh, last night on the telly, Mr. Thackeray,

there was this, uh, travelogue picture, you know?

A lot of black women dancin' around with no tops on.

- Don't they ever dress proper? - What's proper varies throughout the world,

depending on customs and climate.

For their climate and according to their customs, they were dressed properly.

Are you from South Africa, sir? Of course not.

- South Africans is white, isn't they? - [Laughter]

A South African is a native of South Africa, regardless of color.

I was born in British Guiana.

Yes, Ingham.

Uh, what did you mean the other day about rebellion, sir?

Change. Take your hairstyles.

That's a form of rebellion, isn't it?

Aye? What, sir?

Don't you just do it to be different from adults? Isn't that the reason?

Well, they've messed up the world a bit, haven't they, sir?

You can say that again. So you rebel.

Even the way you dress is a form of rebellion, now, isn't it?

Oh, it's just the new fashion, sir.

'Course, the adults look proper stupid in our gear.

Do you think it's wrong to change, to be different, to rebel, sir?

It is your duty to change the world, if you can.

Not by violence‒ peacefully, individually, not as a mob.

Take the Beatles. They started a huge social revolution.

The fashions they set in dress and hairstyles are worldwide now.

Every new fashion is a form of rebellion.

Now, there's a fine exhibition of costumes through the ages on...

at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

I think you should go and see it.

Also, you should stop in and see the Museum of Natural History. What?

Us lot go to a museum? Yeah. Sure.

You're jokin'. You'll discover that your hairstyles...

are 200 years old... [Chattering, Chuckling]

and that your costumes or your dress is, uh, right out of 1920.

Shut up! Look, sir, when can we go?

There's no time after school, and I've got to look after the kids and flat and all.

Yeah, and I have to do the housework and get the supper for the lodgers and all, sir.

Nor can I, sir. Me mum's expectin' a baby any day, and I got to babysit the others.

Why don't you take us? We could go in the morning. Oh, yes!

[Chattering In Agreement] [Barbara] I'd love that. Smashing!

Who would like that? [Chattering Continues]

Oh, what a drag. What's the matter? Don't you want a day off?

Put your hand up. [Barbara] Come on, Potts!

Put both hands up. Fat chance.

It wouldn't work. It's not the sort of risk that we've ever dared...

to take at North Quay. I would like to try, sir.

The best of pupils are inclined to show off in public.

Your class?

You'd never be able to supervise them.

When I took this job, you said...

that you wouldn't interfere as long as I stayed within your framework.

Well, if you can persuade another member of the staff...

to go with you, I'll approach the council.

I see little hope of approval.

Thank you, sir.

[Heavy Vehicle Approaching]

Miss Blanchard.

Miss Blanchard, I-I think I can arrange an outing for my class...

if I can get another teacher to go along.

I was‒ I'd love to. And it's Gillian.

When is the outing, Mark?

As soon as we can arrange the travel warrants and permission.

Well, just let me know when. [Bell Dings]

Thanks, Gillian. Bye. Bye.

[Students Chattering]

Good morning. [All] Good morning, sir.

What would you like to talk about today?

Ladies first. Miss Joseph.

Marriage, sir. You know, boyfriends and things.

How do you know he's the right one?

What do you think a girl should look for?

How to avoid divorce, sir. Don't get married!

[Chattering, Laughing]

Where's Miss Purcell? She's to look after the home today, sir.

Her mum had the baby last night.

- Oh. What hospital? - No hospital, sir.

- The doctor came to her. - She all right?

Well, she just had a kid, didn't she?

[Chuckles] Yeah.

Well, now‒

Marriage. First, let us lay some ground rules.

I've never been married, so what I say is as an outsider.

Now, what should a girl look for in a man?

I think first we ought to determine what is marriage.

Miss Joseph.

Holy wedlock. Holy wedlock?

[Moira] Potter, be serious. You'll get your turn.

Miss Pegg? It's life, isn't it, sir?

Everyone gets married. I mean, sometime.

Why didn't you get married, sir?

[Potter] No one would have him. I was very poor.

And there was something in me that wanted an education,

so I put all of my energies into that.

And, well, I got started later...

and just never met the right girl.

Now, what should a girl look for in a man?

Miss Clark. What work did you do, sir?

I waited tables.

I cooked in a hamburger joint.

I washed dishes for a time. Cars.

For a year I was a janitor in an apartment block. All sorts of jobs.

You washed dishes, sir? I did.

- Yeah, but you talk posh and all. - That wasn't easy.

[Moira] You didn't always talk like that, then?

When I was your age I used a patois‒

a kind of simple English.

[Rattling Off Slang Phrases] [Laughter]

- Didn't understand a word, sir. - Well, I don't always understand what you say either.

But the point is, if you're prepared to work hard, you can do almost anything.

You can get any job you want. You can even‒

You can even, uh,

change your speech, if you want to.

After I got my degree, I went to work...

in South America for an oil company.

The only women in that region...

were jungle Indians who carried blow pipes and poison darts.

[Laughter]

You could have broke my hands.

We were discussing marriage.

To my mind, marriage is no way of life for the weak,

the selfish or the insecure.

[Groans]

What's the matter, Weston? These damned fool Americans.

They bog up everything they're connected with.

What a shower.

I'll never forgive the president for not coming...

to dear old Churchill's funeral‒

or at least sending the vice president.

Rotten bad manners. It was very naughty.

I quite agree.

A typically stupid, appalling and unnecessary mistake.

Still, what can you expect?

Still beefing, Weston? Give them a chance, Mr. Weston.

They have not been in the business of leading the world...

as long as Britain was. You continue to astonish me, old chum.

I should have thought if anyone took a point of- [Knocking]

Oh, now what?

Yes? Excuse me, sir.

Miss Pegg wants to know if the net ball is fixed.

Miss who? Barbara Pegg. Miss Pegg, sir.

Here you are, Fernman.

Thank you, sir.

What's going on in this classroom of yours, old chum?

Suburban formality? It's a bit foreign in this neck of the woods, isn't it?

Some sort of experiment in culture for the masses?

It's an elementary experiment in courtesy.

And do we ignorant critters have to follow suit?

Please yourself. Well, thank goodness for that.

Do you object to being taught manners by one of the boys, Mr. Weston?

I don't expect to be taught manners by those morons.

So long as we learn, it doesn't matter who teaches us, does it?

Afternoon, everybody.

[Weston] Ah. Here's the man.

Now, Weston. Now we're talking.

Thackeray.

Clinty. Nothing like payday.

Oh, by the way. Your museum visit has been approved.

But remember that if anything goes wrong, the whole school will suffer.

Nothing will go wrong, sir.

Gillian. Thank you.

Here you are, Miss Phillips. Miss Dawes.

Here you are, Grace.

[Bells Chiming]

[Sniffles]

[Laughs] For a moment I thought I was in the wrong classroom.

Where's Jackson? We don't know, sir.

Old Tich wouldn't miss nothing like this unless he was sick or something.

Well, we'll give him a few minutes.

[Chattering]

It's me, sir, Jackson.

I've got to take the bag wash for me mum. Can you wait a jiffy, please?

Sure. How long will it take?

Half a mo. It's just up the frog. Lord love you, sir.

Here, hang on, Tich. I'll give you a hand.

[Cheering, Laughing]

All right, all right. Back on the sidewalk.

What's a frog got to do with it?

Oh, it's a rhyming slang, sir. You know, old-fashioned cockney.

It's not used anymore, sir. Just for the old people.

- Oh, it's a drag, sir. - [Seales] Frog means road, sir.

- Frog and toad, road. - Trouble and strife, wife.

Weeping willow, pillow. You just use the first word, see?

Like the old currant bun, sir. That's the sun.

Apples and pears, stairs. Happy kill, skill.

[Laughing, Chattering]

Ginger beer, queer. [Laughter]

All right, all right. All aboard.

[Woman] ♪ Those schoolgirl days ♪

♪ Of telling tales and biting nails ♪

♪ Are gone ♪

♪ But in my mind ♪

♪ I know they will still ♪

♪ Live on and on ♪

♪ But how do you thank someone ♪

♪ Who's taken you from crayons to perfume? ♪

♪ It isn't easy ♪

♪ But I'll try ♪

♪ If you wanted the sky ♪

♪ I would write across the sky ♪

♪ In letters ♪

♪ That would soar a thousand feet high ♪

♪ To sir ♪

♪ With love ♪

♪ Those awkward years ♪

♪ Have hurried by ♪

♪ Why did they fly away? ♪

♪ Why is it, sir ♪

♪ Children grow ♪

♪ Up to be people one day? ♪

♪ What takes the place of climbing trees ♪

♪ And dirty knees in the world outside? ♪

♪ What is there for you I can buy? ♪

♪ If you wanted the world ♪

♪ I'd surround it with a wall ♪

♪ I'd scrawl ♪

♪ These words with letters 10 feet tall ♪

♪ To sir ♪

♪ With love ♪♪

[Both Laughing]

I think he fancies her.

I know you do.

- Pamela Dare has quite a crush on you. - Women say the damnedest things.

I think he's nice. So do I.

- You've noticed, haven't you? - I don't treat her any differently from the other girls.

I hope we can go out again, don't you? I hope so. It was fun.

I hope we can go with him because he's nice. I like him.

Don't make any mistake about Pamela.

She's a woman in every sense of the word.

I mean, not that I blame her.

[Laughs] Bleeding rotten taste he's got.

[School Bell Ringing]

[Laughing, Chattering]

[Laughing, Chattering]

Good night, sir. Good night, sir.

Good night, sir. See you tomorrow, Mr. Thackeray.

Good night. Good night, sir.

Good night. Good night, sir.

Good night, Mr. Thackeray. Good night. Good night.

Good night, sir. Good night.

Sir‒ [Door Closes]

Perhaps you'd like me to tidy your desk.

Oh, well, no. That's all right. No, it's all right.

It's no trouble. You know, you ought to get a flat nearby.

Brentwood's much too far away. Yes, well‒

There are some nice ones around here. I've thought of that.

I'll tell you what. I'll keep my ears open for you.

That's very kind of you, Miss Dare, but I'm fine for the moment.

I'll let you know. Thank you.

Don't worry about your desk, sir.

I'll tidy it for you every day.

Thanks, but that... that won't be necessary.

That's perfectly all right.

A woman's work is never done.

Night, sir.

[Door Closes]

[Chattering, Laughing]

Hi, fellas. How are you?

[Chattering]

Good morning, sir. Good morning.

Mr. Florian has given us permission for more outings.

Oh, that's great! Great!

I would like to hear suggestions from you of what we might do.

Oh, the pictures, sir. Wembley, sir.

- Cup Final Day. - Here, the Chamber of Horrors.

Oh, that's a good one. What about the Cavern?

- Cavern? - You know, sir, Liverpool, The Beatles.

How's it going, Fernman?

- Fine, thank you, sir. - Don't you worry about him, sir. He'll come with me on my day.

You're under a supervision order too? [Barbara] Around here that's nothing, sir.

Most of us have been up in front of the law.

You know, breaking windows, playing truant, raising hell...

and cussing the coppers.

Oh, you've cut yourself. Oh, you'd better put something on that, sir.

You might get lockjaw or something.

- Blimey! Red blood! - What do you expect, pinhead, ink?

[Clatters]

I didn't mean no harm, sir. It was just a joke. I didn't mean no crack, sir.

It's all right.

What's with you?

Are you addressing me, Denham? Yeah.

Potts was only being funny. What'd you call him pinhead for in front of chimney sweep?

Going after Potts in front of him?

I was only having a little joke. Sir didn't mind.

- He said we could ask him anything, didn't he? - You call those questions?

Always on about his color. You've got nothing better to talk about, have you?

You're just wasting our time. And, Seales, you ought to know better.

What have I done? I didn't say nothing.

No, you never say nothing. And you're half-colored too.

You sit on your fat ass and keep your trap shut.

If they want to know, why don't they ask you?

I'm not sir, that's why.

I only wish I was.

[Scoffs]

I know what's eating you. You fancy him, that's what.

Well, this is a fine how do you do, isn't it, Potts, old mate?

You lay off, Denham, you son of- [Train Passing]

Today I'm going to show you how to make a salad.

You mean we've to cook and all?

[Clamoring]

Sure. Why not?

My old man never cooked nothing in his whole life.

He says that's woman's work, the kitchen and all.

Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

But suppose you're on your own,

as you certainly will be shortly,

then you'll have to do it for yourselves sometimes, won't you?

[Murmuring]

Oh, not again, sir.

[Laughter]

This is survival training.

Now. Hmm?

A normal English salad.

Not fit for human consumption, even if you remove the usual slugs...

and add a dash of the extraordinary... a bit of mayonnaise.

Now‒ [Door Opens]

[Boy] Look at her. [Chattering]

I'm sorry I'm late.

Mum had to go to the doctor and I didn't want to miss the day, sir.

He won't be no trouble.

[Fussing] [Thackeray] It's all right.

Sit down. Make room over there.

[Clamoring]

Koochy-koochy-koochy. All right, all right, Okay.

Come on. Now‒

Never be afraid to experiment.

And always remember that you can eat well, even though you're broke.

See? You ever been broke, sir?

Real broke? Skint?

Yeah. Many, many, many times.

Oh, I don't understand you a bit, sir.

I mean, you're a toff... and you ain't.

Huh? Sir?

What he means is‒ Well, blimey.

I can't sort of put it into words or anything, but...

Well, sir, you're like us, but you ain't.

I mean, you're not. It's kind of scary, but nice.

You know what I mean, don't you?

Well, I‒ I don't know how to answer you, except to say...

that I teach you truths‒ my truths.

Yeah, it is kind of scary, dealing with the truth.

Scary and dangerous.

Now, have you ever had a salad with, uh,

with almonds and grapes and tomatoes...

and lettuce and pineapple?

[Students Clamoring, Chattering]

She's obviously in love with you, Mark.

[Laughs] Oh, you shouldn't be so surprised.

We have a lot of marvelous schools now in the East End.

It's still difficult to get quality teachers.

Take us‒ the bottom of the pile.

Goodness knows we've had a scruffy lot here.

Then along comes Mr. Mark Thackeray...

big, broad, handsome, clean, intelligent,

looking like he stepped out of a bandbox.

What do you expect?

What do I do?

Nothing. Just be patient.

Thanks.

Pamela's just finding out she's a grown woman.

You're probably the only real man she's ever met in her life.

Don't spend too much time alone with her.

Why didn't you ask Gillian?

Oh, I thought you'd be wiser.

[Sighs]

Well, thanks.

[Door Closes]

Well, hello, sir.

We can't have you queuing up.

It's sir. He teaches our Moira up at North Quay.

He's only got an hour for his lunch, that's all he's got.

Now, what'll it be, sir? Half a dozen oranges.

Oh, you'll like them. They're lovely and juicy.

Here you are, guv. Penny's wedding cake.

Jeanie's elder sister. She went and got married,

so we thought we'd give you a bit of cake for luck.

Jeanie Clark. Oh! Yes. Miss Clark.

That was a lovely museum outing they went on. We'll have to do it again.

The Museum? Oh, well,

we're trying to arrange one a week.

Oh, that'll be lovely, won't it, Horace?

The more education they learns, the better. That's what I always say.

It's a proper bleeder, you know, what with the bomb and all.

'Tain't the bombs. It's them bleedin' foreigners, them Yanks.

Shut your gob. My Gert's married to a Yank.

And a proper nice gent he is, and all.

I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.

God Al-bloody-mighty. Getting technical, eh?

Listen, first cast the mote out of your own bleedin' eye...

before you cast the bomb out of mine. Aw, shut up.

He's a proper faggot. Here you are.

You'll like them, sir. Thank you.

Thank you. Who's next? Come on, girls.

Speak up.

Gillian? Uh-huh?

I was wondering if you would also give the girls some lessons in makeup.

I think quite a few of them would be, uh,

very pretty if they knew how to do it.

Well, certainly.

You really are getting involved with your children,

aren't you? No, I'm just trying to help.

That's the job, isn't it?

You want some of this? No, thanks.

Is that all you're having for lunch? Yep.

You on a diet? No. I'll tell you‒ I'm a weak man.

At the moment, a little skint.

When I eat, [Slurps] do I love to eat.

[Laughs] And I love wine, but I just can't have a glass.

I want to drink the whole bottle.

So I avoid wine and pastrami sandwiches...

and baked potatoes...

with butter and bacon...

and strawberry shortcake and cheesecake.

[Laughing]

But I like to eat light, uh, for lunch.

How is it with the Dare girl?

No problems.

Are you going to stay on here, Mark? Until I get sorted out.

No luck with the job?

But I'm plugging away.

Remember a few weeks ago, when you thought you'd lost the battle?

I thought you had too. There's a good angel looking after me somewhere.

Come on. Sort yourselves out.

Go on. Hurry up.

All right, go.

Come on, Denham. Hurry it up.

Land on your toes. Do it again. Next.

Next!

Next! Buckley!

Come on, boy. I'm not a boy.

I'm a man, and I don't want to do it, sir.

- It's too high. - You're a boy, and you're a fat boy too.

Come on. I'm waiting. Get some of that jelly off of you.

Fats can't do it. It's too high for him.

'Course he can't do it.

When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it, boy.

I'm not a boy. Shut up!

Buckley, do as you're told.

Come on.

[Groans]

[Moaning]

Move out of the way, boy! Shut up!

[Buckley Moaning] Is he all right, Bert?

[Moaning] I don't know.

You bloody bastard.

Put that down, Potter! You knew Fats couldn't do that.

You've always had it in for him.

Potter, put that down.

Quick, sir! They're fighting in the gym, sir!

Go on, Potts!

- For the last time, put it down! - That weren't no accident!

Potter!

I'll take that.

Go and help Buckley. Go on.

Potts should have done the bastard like he did Fats.

You all right, boy? Yes, thank you, sir.

Me stomach doesn't half hurt though.

Jackson, Ingham, help him up to Mrs. Evans.

All right.

What happened?

[Sighs] Hmm?

Buckley's all right.

More frightened than anything else.

Why'd you make him do that jump?

He just stood there and refused to obey.

When he jumped, well, he sent the buck flying and I couldn't catch him.

Oh.

Thanks for helping me out. That Potter went berserk.

[Sighs]

I understand that Buckley is a...

pet whipping boy of yours.

Is that right?

I'd better report it to the head. There's gonna be the devil to pay.

[Chattering]

Potter? I can't think of anything that could excuse your behavior.

But it was him, sir! He made Fats do it!

Fats said he couldn't do it! The bloody bully has always had it in for him!

I'm not concerned with Mr. Bell's behavior, but yours.

Suppose instead of a piece of wood, a gun or a knife had been handy, eh?

What then? Potter was narked. We was all narked.

That bleeder was in the wrong, and you bloody well know it.

You're missing the point, Denham. You all are.

In a few weeks you will be going out into the world.

Are you going to use a weapon every time someone makes you angry?

You're supposed to be learning self-discipline here.

Potter, you owe Mr. Bell an apology.

Huh? No! [All Shouting]

Why should he apologize? Just 'cause Bell's a bleedin' teacher, eh?

You'd better answer that, Potter.

Do you think you behaved like a‒ like an adult?

How about Bell apologizing to Buckley, eh?

My business is with you, not Mr. Bell.

It's easy for you to talk.

No one pushes you around.

Well, Potter?

Are you a man or a hoodlum?

Do it, Potts. Do it? Denham!

[All Talking]

Bell will put you up before the law if you don't, won't he?

And you've got to have recommends for a job, ain't you?

He's got to sign one, hasn't he?

This has nothing to do with what I sign or won't sign.

There's never been a teacher you could trust.

We're only safe together... against them. Like it's always been.

But sir's different! If he says Potts is‒ That he is.

And he's wrong now.

You all know Bell's been after old Fats for years.

Go on, Potts.

If you apologize because you're afraid,

then you're a child, not a man.

[Door Closes]

When I leave, I've me own bearer, so you can't touch me,

letters or no letters.

I'm sorry I'm late, sir.

But it's me mum, sir.

She's dead.

I've been helping me dad with her things.

[Voice Breaking] I didn't... I didn't... I didn't know where to go, sir.

It's all right. [Sobbing]

Ingham, take over the class.

I understand that the passing out class...

holds some kind of a celebration at the end of term.

What happens?

Hmm?

Hmm? We dance,

sir.

Did you apologize because of what Denham said?

I believe one should fight for what one believes,

provided one is absolutely sure...

one is absolutely right.

Pass these out.

You have to fill those out.

For national health insurance...

and so on.

[Chattering]

What are you doing, Jackson?

It's for Seales, sir. For flowers and a wreath.

That's-That's wonderful of you.

May I be permitted to contribute something?

No, thank you, Mr. Thackeray.

Here, Pam, luv. You buy the wreath, eh?

The name's Dare. Miss Dare.

Yeah, well, you buy the wreath.

Send it round when the time's right.

Send it? Aren't you going to take it?

You don't think the girls could take it, do you?

Well, why not?

[Moira] Well‒

Well, it's what people would say, sir.

What the family'd say...

if they saw us going into a colored person's home, sir.

[Barbara] We've got nothing against you, sir.

Honest.

But if one of us was‒

Well, you can't imagine the things that'd be said, sir.

Well.

[Laughs]

Well‒

Thank you, Miss Pegg, for making it clear.

Well, does that apply to the men also?

You're dead right it does.

I'll take the flowers, sir.

Why should you do that, Miss Dare?

Wouldn't that make you subject to gossip?

Gossip don't worry me.

I've known Seales since we were in kindergarten.

I'll take the flowers.

I wouldn't, if I were you.

Ah, Thackeray.

I've been looking for you.

There's a lady to see you‒ Mrs. Dare.

By the way, I've canceled all outings for your class.

Why?

I'm afraid the adult approach hasn't worked.

It would have been better to let things be.

You'd better take your boys for PT until I get a replacement.

[Door Opens]

Oh.

I-I'm sorry to disturb you, sir.

It's about Pam. I'm Mrs. Dare.

What can I do for you, Mrs. Dare?

Would you have a seat? W-Would you talk to her, sir?

I'm sure she'd listen to you.

She's always talking about you. What's the problem?

Well‒

She always stays out late at night, sir.

Often she doesn't get home till past 11:00.

She never says where she's been.

She's a big girl, sir. I'm worried about her.

She won't listen to me.

Well, I'm just a teacher, Mrs. Dare.

Oh, I know she'd listen to you, sir.

When her friends are over, it's always, "sir said this" or "sir said that."

See, she‒ she won't listen to me, sir.

She‒ She just won't.

Why doesn't her father have a talk with her?

Oh. Oh, no.

No, we're divorced. H-He's uh‒ He's up north somewhere.

He doesn't...

Well, it's not wrong to‒

I mean, when your marriage breaks up, your life doesn't end, does it?

Please talk to her, sir. I'm frightened for her.

You never know what sort of trouble she can get into.

Please.

All right. I will.

Thank you.

[Door Opens, Closes]

Morning, sir.

[Crowd Chattering] [Woman] Hello, love.

[Man] Morning, Mr. Thackeray. [Man #1] How are you. How's the kids?

Hello, guv.

Hello, sir. It's a lovely day, ain't it?

Your kid ain't top of the class.

Who's got everything?

Mark! Hi! Hi!

Hi. You look as if you'd won the pools.

Oh, better. Whoop!

I got me a job‒ a real one‒ when school ends.

Third assistant engineer in a radio factory in the midlands.

They even sent me the fare. Oh, that's marvelous.

Well, it's not that good, but it's a start after so long.

Think she's gonna take those flowers, Bert?

I don't know.

Hey, Pam!

Hey, sir wants you.

[Door Opens]

Sit down, Miss Dare. I'd like to talk to you.

Has my mum been in? Yes.

The funeral is Saturday, 10:30.

About my mum, sir? She's very worried about you, Miss Dare.

Couldn't you call me Pamela?

I think not, for the moment.

She says that you've been staying out late.

Oh, I've just been round to Gran's.

It's just round the corner. It's not far.

Why haven't you told your mother then?

Because she doesn't care about me.

Well, now, you know that's not true.

You're not in trouble, are you?

[Scoffs] Oh, no, sir.

Nowadays that's only for fools, isn't it?

We're the luckiest bunch of kids,

the luckiest generation that's ever been, aren't we?

We're the first to be really free...

to enjoy life, if we want,

without fear.

Well, what is the trouble?

Look, if you don't want to talk, just say the word.

It doesn't bother me.

Well, it was all right up until about a year ago.

Of course I miss Dad. H-He was wonderful.

But... it's just one of those things, isn't it?

Mum works up in a dress shop up in the West End,

and we got on fine.

Then men friends started calling on her.

Well, you know what neighbors are like.

That's all, really. There's nothing else to tell.

She doesn't like me.

I'm in the way.

Well, she's young and pretty, isn't she?

I shall be glad when I can leave school and be on my own.

Obviously, your mother loves you,

and you owe her much more than any teacher.

I think you're wrong about her.

Did she tell you that I found her with one of her friends?

At home? At my home?

No, I bet she didn't, but she was.

All families have problems. I can't solve that for you.

But staying out late won't help.

Well, it helps me. I can't stand the sight of her,

and if you were me, you'd feel the same.

I'm in no position to judge.

- I know that people make mistakes. - Are you saying it's my fault?

I'm saying that forgiveness is the gift of God‒

that people make mistakes‒ that it's up to you to make peace with your mother.

Why should I? I haven't done anything. Grow up, Miss Dare.

It's up to you to give her another chance.

I told you what she did. Why are you taking her side?

Because you're wrong not to give her a second chance.

Everybody deserves that.

I thought you'd understand. I thought you were different.

I thought I could trust you.

But you're just as Denham said.

Well, I'm not taking the bloody flowers!

All right.

Let's line up here in the center.

Could we have boxing first today, please, Mr. Thackeray?

[All Shouting Agreement]

- Why? - Well, it'd make a change.

Okay. Just sort yourselves into pairs now.

Uh, do you mind having a go with me, Mr. Thackeray?

Sapiano's hurt his wrist. That's right, sir. Sprained it,

didn't I?

I think you, uh, ought to wait...

and have a go at Potter or one of the others when they're finished.

Cor, he'll be done in, sir.

Go on. I don't mind having a punch-up with you.

I think you'd better forget that for today.

Let's go.

[Sighs]

Okay.

Let's go.

[Students Shouting]

[All Shouting]

Come on!

[Groaning]

Stay where you are.

[Groaning Continues]

Put your head down.

Potter, Gypsy, collect the gloves. and put them back in the box.

The rest of you line up over here for vaulting.

Put your head down.

[Denham Groans]

Are you all right? Yeah.

Come on over here for a minute. I'm all right, sir.

Think I'll go wash up.

Sh‒

You all right, mate? Yes. Yes.

[Chattering]

[School Bell Ringing] [Laughing, Chattering]

Can I ask you something? Sure.

How many times did you hit me? Once.

I'm sorry about that. I didn't mean to hurt you.

I just lost my temper.

I was meaning to hurt you.

Well, you did. You're pretty good.

Yeah, well, why didn't you hit me again, eh?

Why didn't you fight, eh? You had me easy.

I've been after you since you got here.

Here. Are you afraid or something?

Hitting you wouldn't have solved very much, would it?

It's the truth. I don't understand you at all.

Denham, what's a bearer? A bearer?

With fruit on it and all. A bearer!

You was wrong about Potts.

Yes. From his point of view, at his age, I was.

The girls was right about the gossip and all.

From their point of view. What other point is there, eh?

You're gonna have to figure that one out for yourself, Denham.

How would you like a part-time job next term,

teaching the youngsters how to box?

Eh? If you'd like, I could speak with Mr. Florian.

I'm sure there'll be some fee‒ money for you.

Cor! Me? A bleedin' teacher?

It's important for the youngsters to know how to defend themselves,

isn't it? Here. Why are you doing this, eh?

Good luck with your... bearer, Denham.

[Moira] Hey, Pam.

♪♪ [Whistling]

Here, what's the matter with you?

You goin' to a bleedin' wedding or something?

[Sniffs] Whew! You don't half pong, Potts.

[Laughing] What's up with you, Fats?

Nothing, Bert.

Well, another week and we'll be through with this place, what?

[Murmuring] I ain't got a job yet.

[Chattering]

Here, Bert, I thought you had the bleeder yesterday. It was a lucky punch, that's all.

Yeah? Well, you got eyes in the back of your head, that's what.

Old chimney sweep could have done me with one hand behind his back.

And none of your "bleedin"' here.

There's ladies present, that's what. [Murmuring]

What sir said the other day about the truth‒

it's kind of scary, isn't it?

[Footsteps]

Good morning. Good morning, sir.

About the party...

We've got a group and all, and the, uh‒ the girls is fixin' the grub. You coming?

- You inviting me? - Yeah. You're invited.

Thank you.

If I can, I certainly will.

Yeah, well, I guess what you said's right...

about a man making up his own mind and all.

[Bells Chiming]

Sir?

My goodness.

You certainly look lovely. Thank you.

Sir, would you dance with me tonight?

Of course. But nothing too fast.

I am getting much too old for that sort of thing, Miss Dare.

We'll make it something special. Promise?

Promise. Thank you.

Sir, would you call me Pamela tonight?

Yes, Pamela.

Thank you.

♪♪ [Rock And Roll]

Oh, hi! Oh, excuse me a minute, Bert.

It's Pam.

Oh! You look marvelous! You look great too.

Where's the other earring? Oh, it's the thing that's in.

Now, listen. I want to talk to the group. You gonna come with me?

Yeah, but why? Well, come on. I'll tell you.

♪♪ [Continues]

Good evening! Good evening.

I hear you're leaving. Yes.

It's a pity. I'm sorry about that.

You're damn good, you know. You've done wonders for this shower.

Well, thank you. Thank you very much.

Anybody can be an engineer, but teaching this mob, it's‒

Well, I wish I had your gift.

Why so serious, Mark?

Good God! It's Weston!

Oh, wrap up, Clinty.

Well, I'm damned.

He wasn't giving you a hard time, was he?

On the contrary.

Sir, will you wave your magic wand and make me sweet 16 again?

It has nothing to do with me.

Oh, you're a fine lad. Your hand's in this, all right.

If you must leave, Mark, go to another school.

You can't waste a marvelous talent on rotten electronics.

Damn! I swore I wouldn't interfere.

Would you like some more? Yes, thanks.

Who made it? I did.

It's Salad North Quay, one of sir's special recipes.

Well, it's bloody marvelous, Barbara‒

I mean, Miss Pegg.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Weston, I'm sure.

Actually, I don't like it. I think it's terrible, don't you?

Blimey, I'm hot. Thank you.

Excuse me, sir. I got the job I wanted.

That's wonderful. What is it?

Page boy at the London Hilton.

He can't wait to get his hands on all that Yankee money.

[Laughing] Cor, you're right there.

Still, I don't want to be a page boy all me life.

I was wondering if you'd help me get into night school or something.

I'd be glad to. Ta, sir.

You don't half look dolly, miss. [Chuckles]

Okay, now. You ready, Pam?

Attention, everybody.

By special request,

it's a lady's choice.

[Cheering, Applause]

♪♪ [Medium-Tempo Dance Beat]

Will you hold this, please?

♪♪ [Beat Picks Up]

♪ It's hard not to think about you ♪

♪ To keep you off my mind ♪

♪ It's hard to live in a world without you ♪

♪ And it's getting harder It's getting harder ♪

♪ It's getting harder all the time ♪

♪ It's so hard to walk past a phone now ♪

♪ And not to try your line ♪

♪ It's hard to try and make it alone now ♪

♪ And it's getting harder It's getting harder ♪

♪ It's getting harder all the time ♪

♪ Baby, I've got no more foolish pride ♪

♪ Baby, I must have you by my side ♪

♪ Can't stop wishing for what I had ♪

♪ Need your kisses and I need them bad ♪

♪ So hard to go on living ♪

♪ And know that you're not mine ♪

♪ It's hard without all the love you've given ♪

♪ And it's getting harder It's getting harder ♪

♪ It's getting harder all the time ♪

♪♪ [Guitar Solo]

♪ Baby, I've got no more foolish pride ♪

♪ Baby, I must have you by my side ♪

♪ Can't stop wishing for what I had ♪

♪ Need your kisses and I need them bad ♪

♪ So hard to go on living ♪

♪ And know that you're not mine ♪

♪ It's hard without all the love you've given ♪

♪ And it's getting harder Oh, it's getting harder ♪

♪ Ooh, it's getting harder all the time ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Oh ♪♪

Here, come on. Everybody, come here.

Thank you. Thank you.

Can I come and see you sometimes?

You know, next term? I won't be here.

Oh. Everybody's got to move on.

I'm glad I met you though. You've helped me a lot.

We were lucky to have you.

The whole world is waiting for you. You're a smasher.

Thanks.

Bye.

Hold it. Listen a minute, everybody. I've got an announcement to make.

It's about sir.

Well, sir,

we'd all like to thank you very much for everything you've done for us.

And we'd like to give you a little present to remember us by.

Come on, Babs. You mean, Miss Pegg!

[Laughter] [Denham] Babs!

[Scattered Shouting] Come on, Babs!

♪ The time has come ♪

♪ For closing books ♪

♪ And long last looks must end ♪

♪ And as I leave ♪

♪ I know that I am leaving ♪

♪ My best friend ♪

♪ A friend who taught me right from wrong ♪

♪ And weak from strong ♪

♪ That's a lot to learn ♪

♪ What can I give you in return? ♪

♪ If you wanted the moon ♪

♪ I would try to make a start ♪

♪ But I ♪

♪ Would rather you let me give my heart ♪

♪ To sir ♪

♪ With love ♪♪

[Cheering] Hooray! Speech!

[Students Shouting] Speech! Speech!

[All Shouting] Speech! Speech! Speech!

[Applause Fades, Stops]

Well.

Well.

[Sighs] I think I'd better go and put it away.

[Both Laughing]

Evening, guv.

Nice, isn't it?

I'm in your bleedin' class next term.

[Both Laughing]

[Door Slams]

♪♪ [Pop Intro]

[Barbara] ♪ The time has come ♪

♪ For closing books ♪

♪ And long last looks must end ♪

♪ And as I leave ♪

♪ I know that I am leaving ♪

♪ My best friend ♪

♪ A friend who taught me right from wrong ♪

♪ And weak from strong ♪

♪ That's a lot to learn ♪

♪ What can I give you in return? ♪

♪ If you wanted the moon ♪

♪ I would try to make a start ♪

♪ But I ♪

♪ Would rather you let me give my heart ♪

♪ To sir ♪

♪ With love ♪♪

♪♪ [Ends]