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To Serve Them All My Days

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

  • 1980 – 1981
  • Ended
  • Drama
  • ~50m / ep
  • 1 season
  • 7.8/10

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.

Latest: Miniseries · 1980

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

  1. E1. Part One

    Oct 17, 1980 · 50m

    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.

  2. E2. Part Two

    Oct 24, 1980 · 50m

    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.

  3. E3. Part Three

    Oct 31, 1980 · 50m

    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.

  4. E4. Part Four

    Nov 7, 1980 · 50m

    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.

  5. E5. Part Five

    Nov 14, 1980 · 50m

    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.

  6. E6. Part Six

    Nov 21, 1980 · 50m

    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.

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