Original subtitles

Collect your luggage from Platform 3!

Come on, slowcoach, or we won't get a seat with Sally.

Hang on, hang on, just a mo.

Darrell, I saved you a seat!

Come on, you three. The bus is waiting!

I'm so sorry. Are you all right? Here, please, let me help.

Oh, dear.

Go. Just go!

I'm so sorry, really.

Is that his teddy bear?

There you are, Gwen! Did you have a smashing hols?

How kind of you to ask. I did, thank you.

And look who I was sat with on the train.

Ellen Wilson, meet Darrell Rivers, our form hot-head.

Darrell, this is the new scholarship girl.

Just the new girl is fine.

A scholarship, that's great news.

We need someone clever to up our game.

Welcome to the second form.

- This is Irene, our scatterbrain. - Hello!

Hello.

- This is Jean, our good egg. - Charmed.

That's Sally, she's our bossyboots.

Lovely to meet you.

And Mary-Lou, our scaredy-cat.

Please don't call me that, Gwen.

Well, what would you call yourself?

Mary-Lou is our courage-mouse.

Ah, Sally there you are!

I expect Gwen told you she's the form princess.

Thank you, Jean!

Don't let Gwen use you for your brains.

Especially not Latin.

I haven't studied Latin. I've a lot to catch up on.

Oh, dear.

Help me with my things, won't you?

Sorry, Gwen!

I told you she's rough. Be careful of her.

Hooray!

I can see the school! Oh, it's magnificent!

Oh, that cliff corner view Of the school of our dreams

Four tall towers

- Hip, hip, hooray! - Hip, hip, hooray!

- Hip, hip, hooray! - Hip, hip, hooray!

Here we are.

Look, Ellen, it's Malory Towers. Do you like it?

I can't believe I'm really here.

Darrell, sit next to me in class?

Let's bagsie next-door beds too.

I simply loved the hols, but I'm so glad to be back.

Darrell!

Hi! Alicia!

Super to see you. Betty's left. Can you believe it?

Upside is, we can spend much more time together! Come on!

Hang on a tick. Sally and I were...

As your new best friend, we really must do something

about that dress, Ellen. It swamps you.

We bought it to last.

Well, it does you no favours.

Oh, thanks.

You're welcome.

Good friends speak the truth even if it's not nice.

That's the Head. Miss Grayling. She's frightfully stern.

Don't listen to her. Firm but fair.

Find a seat, anywhere for now.

Welcome back, girls

and a warm welcome to our new girl, Ellen Wilson.

And to your new form teacher. Here he is, Mr Parker!

Good morning, girls.

- Good morning, Mr Parker. - Good morning, Mr Parker.

He's the one with the teddy bear!

What has got into you, girls?

Welcome aboard.

As you know, we will start the term with a vote

for the new Head of Form.

Mr Parker, can you remind us of her duties

and her privileges?

Collecting subs, an ability to give out order marks

time off sports for school council meetings.

May people nominate themselves?

They may, but each nominee must also be seconded.

There must be three candidates, they will give speeches

then the whole form and teaching staff vote.

Choose wisely, girls.

The person you choose to lead you will shape the group you become.

Don't be nervous. I promise, their bark is worse than their bite.

Order, order!

Thank you! Nominations, please. Introduce yourself when you speak.

Gwendoline Mary Lacey. I'd like to nominate myself, please.

She just wants to miss swimming.

And Ellen Wilson. She's my seconder.

Unbelievable!

You. In the pigtails.

Irene Edwards, and I nominate Alicia Johns.

And does Alicia have a seconder?

Go on.

Jean Dunlop. I'll second her.

And we have one more.

Sally Hope. I'm nominating Darrell Rivers.

But I was going to nominate you!

I got there first.

I'll second Darrell.

Sorry. I'm Mary-Lou Linnet.

So, we have Gwendoline Lacey.

Gwendoline Mary Lacey.

Alicia Johns and...

Darrell Rivers in the running.

I look forward to hearing your speeches, girls.

Shame we're up against one another. Don't hold it against me, will you?

- What? - When I win. I probably will.

I've been here the longest.

That's just how it works.

- Hey, Ella. - She's wrong, you know.

You're utterly in with a chance.

Ellen. Where is your trunk?

I couldn't order one in time, and Auntie needed hers.

Come along, you two! You'll miss your chance to swim!

Swim?

You must be the new girl. Ellen, is it?

You can call me Matron.

Yes, Matron.

Well now. We have a pool here at Malory Towers

so early birds can have a dip before breakfast

and then you'll eat in the dining hall

and it's straight to class, spick-and-span.

Where is Gwendoline Mary Lacey? Her bed is a mess.

Here, Matron!

I got up early this morning, and I thought you might like these.

How very kind of you.

Yeah, I am kind. I suppose that's why I'd make a good Head of Form.

Well. Save your efforts. I've the hay fever.

You're shameless.

Father says politics is a ruthless game.

And every ballot counts.

Butter me up all you like, Gwendoline.

I do not have a vote.

- And make your bed! - Right.

Come on in, Ellen! It's wonderful.

It's not. It's ghastly! Freezing cold and seaweed.

Ellen, stick with me on the side.

Poor Ellen. Gwen's got her hooks into her already.

Whoever's Head of Form needs to look out for that.

Let go, Gwen. Ellen, come with me!

Wait a sec. The thing is...

Don't let Gwen talk you out of it. You'll love it once you're in!

But I can't.

Yes, you can! Follow me.

Help!

Help!

- I can't swim! - It's all right.

We've got her! We're fine. I've got her.

Are you all right?

I'm so sorry! Why didn't you say?

I did try!

I'm desperate to learn, but it's not my fault.

I live nowhere near the sea.

Not everyone does, you know!

Hot-headed, impetuous Darrell. Some Head of Form you'd make.

She pushed me in last year as well, you know.

That was an accident, and this wasn't a push.

She actually slapped me, right here in this pool!

What?

I have a hold of my temper now. I don't lose it anymore.

Really? You don't seem very calm right now.

If you could all write your name, followed by my name

and the form on the front cover please.

Gwendoline!

Sorry. Nearly done.

There. Don't they brighten the classroom?

Very nice.

I'd make it a regular thing if I were Head of Form.

That's not how you spell my name.

Write it correctly on the board, please.

Park-er, like a park!

Darrell! No C.

No. Park-er.

Again. Correctly.

I will expect better handwriting from a possible Head of Form.

Oh, I see.

Class clown, are you?

No. Sorry, Mr Parker, it's just I've got word blindness.

Word blindness! Is that so?

Write my name correctly, young lady. Now! Parker! Like parking a car.

Don't worry.

Darrell's always getting herself into trouble.

Parked car... Darrell!

How dare you?

No, sorry, Mr Parker. It's just my word blindness

- when I'm under pressure. - Do you take me for a fool?

But it's true, Mr Parker. She has got something called...

Two hundred lines for interrupting!

Education is a privilege. I will not fool around in class.

That's not fair! You can't punish her for being honest. It's wrong!

Get out! Stand outside for the rest of the lesson

and reflect on your behaviour.

You will write the lines too!

In trouble already?

Are you sure you should be standing for Head of Form, Darrell Rivers?

Mr Parker, I want to say I'm sorry. Truly I am.

Am I supposed to believe that after your behaviour just now?

I have a bad temper. It's a terrible fault of mine

but I'm trying to conquer it.

It's all well and good saying you're sorry

but I need to see you mean it.

Very well. I...

I'd like to withdraw my nomination for Head of Form.

Accepted.

The right response...

but we do need three nominations.

I have a suggestion for that.

And he said yes!

So, Sally, you're in the running for Head of Form after all!

Aren't you pleased?

Yes... but sad for you Darrell.

Don't be. You'd be great!

If you want to pull out, fine. But putting Sally forward?

She could beat me. The teachers love her.

I'm... I'm sorry.

At least say you'll vote for me.

I... I put Sally forward, so...

I miss Betty. She was a proper, loyal friend.

"As your Head of Form...

As the new Head of Form."

Sally!

Sally!

Sally!

There you are!

Poor Irene has piano, so I said I'd write her lines up.

What's up?

My speech. I'm utterly stuck.

But you've got great leadership qualities.

Even Alicia thinks so.

Do I? I can't think of any.

You're kind, generous, thoughtful, considerate...

why not just say so?

Because that would be awfully conceited.

Being Head is about helping others, not showing off.

See? That's why you'd be the best Head.

That's all you have to say.

Thanks, Darrell.

Now let's pick up these papers and see what you've got so far.

Settle down, girls. Come along.

Good afternoon, girls.

Now we are all assembled, let's hear from our nominees.

Remember, keep it brief.

Let's start with a question. Why is a math book always unhappy?

Because it has a lot of problems.

I know that was a joke

but I do think happiness is the key to success.

So problem-solving and happiness all round

would be my aim as Head of Form.

That would include no detention

no order marks, and hot cocoa every day!

Good day, everyone.

I know many of you may think of me as just a pretty face

but Malory Towers and our wonderful teachers

have sharpened my less visible qualities

and I now feel ready to lead.

To borrow from Mr Churchill

all my previous life has been but a preparation for this hour.

Put your trust in me, and I will not let you down.

- What was that? - Thank you.

- Claptrap! - Hot air!

Hello, everyone.

Being nominated is a huge privilege. Thank you.

But I don't want to be Head of Form.

If I were voted in

I'd change the title to Form Representative.

I'd see my job as representing each girl's different needs

and making things fair and equal for us all.

Thank you very much, girls.

Now, write one name on your paper, and post it in the ballot box.

We'll announce the results tomorrow.

Ellen?

I've been thinking, as a new girl

you'd be much better off in the middle bed.

So you can get to know everyone. I'll help you move.

That's very generous of you, Gwen.

Wait.

Is that water?

Are you swapping because there's a drip?

What drip?

You can't palm that off on the new girl, Gwen.

You'll have to wait till Matron gets it fixed.

I... I don't mind. I'll switch if it means that much to you.

You are a sport.

Stay where you are, Ellen.

What am I meant to do? I can't please you all.

Sally Hope, you're a bossyboots just like I said.

But you're not Head of Form yet, and you may never be.

No, but it might be me, and I agree with Sally.

No switching.

Don't worry, if I'm Head

I'll make sure I take all your minds off it.

Tomorrow night. Celebratory midnight feast?

Where are you going, Gwen?

To report the leak because I'm a natural leader

and it's the responsible thing to do.

And how many for Gwendoline?

Only two.

And one will be her own. And Alicia?

She seems to be the popular sort...

She's done very well.

She certainly doesn't lack for charisma and enthusiasm.

What was that?

Ah, yes, Darrell's lines.

"Education is a privilege. I will not fool around in class."

And look at the spelling!

Is she very lazy or very stupid?

Darrell is neither of those things.

She has word blindness.

I'm sorry?

Dyslexia is the newer term for it. Please, do read up.

Now. Shall we?

Good morning, everyone.

I'm pleased to announce we have now counted the votes

for the new Head of Form.

Mr Parker!

Mr Parker.

Alicia Johns is totally unsuitable to be Head of Form.

We should all vote again.

Wait until you hear what she's planning to do tonight.

Gwendoline, is telling tales

a quality that's admired at Malory Towers?

Take a seat.

I just want to say that you did a wonderful, wonderful job.

I'm so proud of each and every one of you.

It was a close-run race

but in the end, by one vote, Head of Form went to...

Sally Hope!

Whilst I applaud your desire

to change the role's name to Form Representative

I'm afraid we can't have new badges made.

Congratulations to Sally!

Girls?

I hadn't heard about this word blindness business, Darrell.

I will look into it.

Well, go on, then. Dismissed!

It was a near thing.

And only one vote, innit?

Who did you vote for?

I stood by the person I nominated.

Well, you got what you wanted, didn't you?

The Head of Form has to be good.

You're the most fun person in the class.

I don't want to lose that.

No hard feelings?

Actually, yeah.

I'm devastated.

Tonight's feast is cancelled.

Gotcha!

Not really.

You're right, Darrell.

To be Head, you have to be dull as ditchwater.

Sally's welcome to it.

Come on. Let's celebrate. Freedom and fun.

Don't laugh, Jean. It's not kind!

I've never had fizzy pop before.

Top-up?

Thanks. She didn't want any more!

I can speak for myself, Gwen. I'd love another taste.

It's like swimming.

Just because I've never tried it before

doesn't mean I don't want to.

I could help you learn to swim if you like.

I'd like that very much.

- Cheers! - Cheers!

Darrell, I've asked my brothers to send me a trick in the mail.

- You'll help, won't you? - Of course!

- So what do you think? Is it silly? - I have no idea, but...

You two look like you're plotting something.

- Alicia's going to... - Darrell, let's set a record on.

You can't tell Sally.

She's Head of Form now. She'll spoil the fun.

But I...

Promise you won't say. Promise? Or I'll never trust you again.

What are you two whispering about?

Sally, let's dance!

- Darrell? - Nothing. Nothing important at all.

Come on, Darrell, cheer up. Let's have some fun.