Original subtitles

Quick, hurry, quick, in!

Come on, hurry up!

This is Matron's book.

I found it in the dorm over the holidays.

You're going to be in so much trouble.

Picture this. Cecile is a nurse in the French Resistance.

But she's fallen for a British soldier.

The impossibly handsome Captain Forsythe.

"I lay dazed in the ruins for a moment

until a hand reached in and pulled me to safety.

The face staring back at me. It was my Captain.

He'd come back to rescue me."

Who knew Matron could be so mushy?

Sally! Come join us. Alicia was just reading...

My French prep. Lousy as usual.

You didn't miss anything.

Not so fast. I have your letters from home.

Although I've a good mind to confiscate the lot.

Why's that?

Because word has reached me

of an illicit midnight feast in the North Tower.

That's not us, Matron.

I do not want to hear your excuses.

Just know that I will be clamping down on behaviour

from now on.

If you so much as sneeze, I will know about it.

Do you understand?

- Yes, Matron. - Yes, Matron.

Sally Hope, pass these out.

And if Gwendoline Mary Lacey ever deigns to show her face

be sure to pass on my warning.

- Yes, Matron. - Yes, Matron.

Ellen. You're just in time.

I was hoping for somewhere quiet to study.

Alicia's about to unveil one of her legendary pranks.

Why would you play tricks on the teachers?

Because the lessons here would be dreadfully dull otherwise.

It's a piece of boring chalk.

Maybe it explodes?

It doesn't leave a mark.

Let me try.

Why couldn't he have sent me a stink bomb? Or a catapult.

Maybe it's just as well, Alicia.

We don't want to get into any more trouble with Matron.

Becoming Head of Form has made you a real stick in the mud, Sally.

Don't be unkind. Sally's just trying to look out for us, that's all.

My French prep has been ruined.

All because of that stupid leak in the roof.

This is worse than living through the Blitz.

Perhaps you should tell Matron, Gwen.

She's in a particularly good mood this morning.

I'll think I'll do just that.

Because if Mother knew about the inhumane conditions

- I was having to... - Gwen.

Not now, Darrell Rivers. I've had a very trying morning.

Look at the back of your dress.

Look.

It must be the chalk.

But why doesn't it leave a mark the chair?

It must be triggered by body heat.

You, Darrell Rivers, have ruined a perfectly good dress!

Well, I'm sure it comes off.

Now you're trying to beat me!

I'm trying to make it clean.

I didn't realise the chalk was invisible.

You know what this means, right?

This is going to be the prank to end all pranks!

I say we try the invisible chalk on Matron.

She's likely to blow a gasket.

Well, we do know someone who loves their Parisian silk.

Mam'zelle Rougier! Yeah!

Do you have any idea just how much trouble you'll both be in?

Then we'll just have to make sure Mam'zelle doesn't find out.

Look, Gwen...

Is it any wonder I have a weak chest after almost drowning this morning?

Enough of that caterwauling.

Isn't there something you'd like to say to Matron, Gwen?

Well, I do as it happens.

Matron.

I'd like to make a formal complaint.

The conditions in the dormitory, they're unsanitary.

I wouldn't be surprised if I've contracted typhoid

with all that water dripping from the ceiling.

Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill.

What harm will a little drop of water do?

Now get changed before I make up a bed for you in the potting shed.

Is everything all right, Matron?

Oh, it's just Gwendoline Mary Lacey trying my patience as usual.

You give these girls an inch, they'll take a mile, Mr Parker.

They are rather spirited.

Which is why you need to be much firmer with them.

We can't have them leading you a merry dance.

Yes, I rather fear they might see a new teacher

as something of a soft touch.

Then you need to come down harder on them.

Remind them who's in charge.

These girls are here to learn.

It's high time you reminded them of that.

Yes, of course.

Well, perhaps we can discuss this in more detail

over an Eccles cake this lunchtime?

I'd be honoured.

Consider me putty in your hands, Matron.

Shall we say my office at one?

Until then.

Don't let Matron see you reading that.

Do you think Matron's ever been in love?

With Mr Parker?

Everyone, everyone! What is that?

Why it's a hat, of course.

Why is there a big D on it?

Because it must belong to someone called...

Derek or Deirdre.

The D is for Dunce.

I remember my grandmother telling me about it.

It was the most awful punishment

and people would point and stare and say the most terrible things.

I see you've acquainted yourselves with the dunce's cap.

Matron has raised concerns about your behaviour.

I, too, have noticed that some of you

have already started to fall behind on your studies.

As your Form Teacher

it is my responsibility to ensure

that this is dealt with as swiftly as possible.

I will, therefore, be setting a Latin test for you later today.

Any girl who fails will have to wear the dunce's cap.

Is that understood?

I didn't even study Latin at my last school!

Then I expect you'll be first to wear the cap.

Shortly followed by Darrell Rivers, of course.

Why do you say that?

Because you're about to lose that terrible tempers of yours.

You're not still planning to do your trick, are you?

Just try stopping me.

What are you doing out of class?

I forgot my French prep.

No. I need you to fetch the caretaker.

Tell him one of the pipes in the ceiling is leaking.

He needs to come up to the dorm immediately.

What are you waiting for? Go on then!

Everyone, get out your prep. I will collect it now.

I'm sorry. I had to go to the dorm but then Matron stopped me.

Oh, gosh, I'm supposed to fetch the caretaker...

Enough with the histrionics! Sit down this instant.

Oh, no, I really do...

I don't want to know. Sit down. You're always late.

I can collect the prep, Mam'zelle.

Merci beaucoup, Alicia!

Mary-Lou?

That's everyone's prep, Mam'zelle.

Apart from yours Gwen.

What is this?

Mam'zelle Rougier, I spent all evening doing my prep.

But then there was this terrible leak in the ceiling above my bed.

And as you can see.

All my beautiful work has been smudged.

(French) What a shame!

Then of course you will stay behind and do it again.

It would be a tragedy for me to miss out on such magnificent work.

I can't believe you just did that.

What if you end up wearing the cap?

You're such a scaredy cat, Mary-Lou.

(French) Come on, children! What is wrong with you today, girls?

Silence, s'il vous plaît!

Where are you, you silly girl?

Oh, Mr Parker!

Oh, no!

That's full.

What is wrong with you, girls?

(French) You keep laughing hysterically!

You think because I have a generous disposition

you can get away with this behaviour, no?

I shall tell Monsieur Parker

about this little outburst.

(French) Come on. Go.

Not so fast, Mademoiselle Lacey. You have work to finish!

I can't wait to read your beautiful work, Gwen.

What if someone sees the chalk?

You're such a worrywart, Sally. It'll rub off...

as soon as she sits down.

Mam'zelle Rougier.

Oh, Monsieur Parker. (French) Can I help you?

You have a...

On... on your...

What is it, Monsieur Parker? You seem a little flustered.

It's your skirt.

How lovely of you to notice. It's the finest Parisian silk.

No, it's your...

Please excuse me, Mam'zelle. I have a class to prepare for.

Right, that's it. Look...

- Hello, Mr Parker. - Hello, Mr Parker.

Girls.

We're confiscating the chalk.

You can't do that. It belongs to my brother.

Sally's right. We can't risk getting into any more trouble.

Whose side are you on?

I just don't want to see anyone having to wear the dunce's cap.

Who knew you were such a party pooper, Darrell Rivers?

There are rather a lot of puddles on the floor.

Did you not think to fetch the caretaker?

I am more than capable of dealing with a silly little leak.

Now run along to class, both of you!

I'm scared I'm going to fail Mr Parker's test.

You just have to be your usual brilliant self.

It's just every time he asks a question, I get all tongue-tied.

Faber est suae quisque fortunae.

Irene, could you translate, please?

It would appear Irene has her head elsewhere.

As do the rest of you.

And whose book is this might I ask?

It's my mother's, Captain Parker.

I mean, Mr Parker.

Silentium!

I don't know what's wrong with you girls this morning.

Faber est suae quisque fortunae.

Mary-Lou, could you help Irene, please?

I...

You know this.

Every man is the architect of his own fortune.

I expected more from you, Mary-Lou.

Well, it would appear you all know less than you did last week.

Which is an impressive feat by anyone's standards.

I expect better in your Latin test coming up.

Lupus non timet canem latrantem.

Excellent. And in English?

A wolf is not afraid of a barking dog.

You've come on leaps and bounds, Ellen.

You should be very proud of yourself.

Mary-Lou.

Aud...

Audentes...

Audentes...

Aud...

Oh, dear, Mary-Lou.

I knew it off by heart, I swear.

I'm sorry.

Mary-Lou.

I'd like you to put this on and stand in the corner, please.

That's not fair. Mary-Lou only got muddled

because she's scared about wearing the cap.

Sit down, Darrell, before I ask you to join her.

I want silent reading.

I'm sorry I missed our meeting, Mr Parker.

I got a little waylaid.

Perhaps we could arrange it for another time?

There's really no need.

I think I have everything under control.

Darrell, you mustn't.

Mr Parker's not being fair. I have to do it for Mary-Lou.

- The Eccles - Oh, I meant to say.

I confiscated this from one of the girls earlier.

Although why anyone would read these sentimental

tawdry novels is beyond me.

Don't you agree, Matron?

D for Dunce! Darrell, what have you done?

It's no worse than what you did to Mam'zelle Rougier.

A little smudge we can get away with.

How do you expect us to explain a giant D?

And do you know what the worst thing is?

Everyone's going to think poor Mary-Lou is the culprit.

Mary-Lou.

I'd like you to stay behind and practice your Latin prep, please.

I can't believe Mr Parker did that to Mary-Lou.

I feel so bad for her.

Monsieur Parker.

I fear you have something on... on your... on your derrière.

Oh, Mr Parker this requires baking soda

or we risk a nasty stain.

Yes, it... it appears to be the letter D.

It's the same pink chalk I found smudged all over my skirt.

Now what did I tell you?

Mr Parker, these girls, they are out of control.

Don't worry, Matron. I'll deal with this.

Go... go!

We need to get out of here before Mr Parker catches up with us.

But what about poor Mary-Lou? She needs our help.

May we come in?

We can all be dunces together.

You look so silly.

As if that stunt with the chalk wasn't bad enough

you now go out of your way to undermine my authority.

It was... It was my idea.

Then you better come with me.

No, Darrell. Darrell!

You only did it to make me feel better.

Mr Parker. This is not Darrell's fault.

She just hated seeing me being punished in such an awful way.

I had to wear a dunce's cap when I was at school.

Then you must be able to remember how it made you feel.

Did you feel embarrassed?

Humiliated?

That's why I couldn't get my words out.

I was so scared about being punished.

All I ever want to do is get the best out of you, girls.

My grandmother always says that

given the choice between being right and being kind

always be kind.

Audentes fortuna iuvat.

Fortune favours the bold.

I'm willing to overlook the stunt with the chalk on one condition...

you take off that ridiculous cap

all of you

and finish your Latin prep.

I think we've all learnt a valuable lesson today.

Don't you agree, Mary-Lou?

Darrell, look! Is that a fox?

Yes! It's so lovely.

Mary-Lou, you're about the bravest person I know.

I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for Darrell.

Mary-Lou, you are amazing.

Thank you.

You're awfully quiet.

I feel positively rotten for not helping you support Mary-Lou.

You had prep to do.

She understands. We all do.

Did you leave this here?

No. Who is it?

Well, it's Mr Parker. Can't you tell?

It's so good. I recognised him straight away.

- Who left this here? - Not me!

- Not me! - Not me!

If I could draw as well as that, I'd be shouting it from the rooftops.

Who is the secret artist?

That's what I intend to find out.

- Goodnight, Darrell. - Goodnight.

- Goodnight, Irene. - Goodnight, Sally.

Goodnight, Alicia. Sweet dreams, everyone.

- Night, Alicia. - Goodnight, Ellen.

Don't let the bedbugs bite!

- Goodnight, Jean. - Goodnight, Mary-Lou.

Goodnight, Gwen.

Goodnight. Sweet dreams, Ellen.