12BBC One7.7(3)

To Serve Them All My Days

Name: To Serve Them All My Days
Genre: Drama
Released: 1980-10-17
Rating: 7.7
Cast: John Duttine, Frank Middlemass

“The BBC's classic story of an English schoolmaster's life of tragedy and triumph between the wars”

Drama

Watch Now

1980

1 Season

13 Episodes

Ended

About

To Serve Them All My Days is a 1980-81 British television drama serial, adapted by Andrew Davies from R. F. Delderfield's 1972 novel of the same name. David Powlett-Jones, a shell-shocked World War I veteran, becomes a teacher at an elite English boarding school, Bamfylde. The drama explores his personal growth, relationships, and evolving views on society over his 20-year career at the school.

#based on novel or book#teacher#miniseries#public school#schoolmaster#boys' school#1910s#devon

Cast

John Duttine

as David Powlett-Jones

Frank Middlemass

as Algy Herries

Seasons

Miniseries

13 episodes1980

David Powlett-Jones, a shell-shocked World War I veteran, becomes a teacher at an elite English boarding school, Bamfylde.

Episodes

Miniseries

See all 13episodes →

Part One

Oct 17, 198050m

During WWI, an injured and shell-shocked David Powlett-Jones applies to teach history at an English boys' public school, but he's concerned about whether a lower-class product of the Welsh mines can fit in.

Part Two

Oct 24, 198050m

On a holiday in Wales, David meets Beth, a vivacious young nurse from Swansea who literally sets her cap at him. After months of corresponding, David invites Beth to visit Bamfylde for the Founders' Day festivities.

Part Three

Oct 31, 198050m

David faces his wedding day with Howarth's gruff encouragement. Beth settles happily into life at Bamfylde, but David becomes agitated over a confrontation with Carter and a wealthy board member.

Part Four

Nov 7, 198050m

The twins arrive, and David gets an opportunity to shine as a substitute housemaster. Beautiful Julia Darbyshire takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, but she finds the atmosphere stifling and the isolation unbearable.

Part Five

Nov 14, 198050m

David takes over Havelock House for good and makes a curious choice for house captain. Everything goes well until Winterbourne, a Havelock boy, goes missing.

Part Six

Nov 21, 198050m

Stumbling about the moors, David finds a reason to return to Bamfylde and carry on. Five years later, sustained by his teaching and friendships with Herries and Howarth, he resumes his writing.

Part Seven

Nov 28, 198050m

When Herries announces his retirement, Carter and David square off in the competition for the new headmaster's position. Julia's gentle persuasion helps David overcome his reticence to love again but she declares that she will never return to Bamfylde.

Part Eight

Dec 5, 198050m

As Alcock takes charge and Herries bows out, the contrast between the two men is stark. The new headmaster proves to be interested in economy and sanitation above all else.