Peter Jeffries
Director
To Serve Them All My Days (1980)
Season 1
After barely surviving the trenches of World War I, an embittered young soldier takes a teaching post at Bamfylde, an elite boarding school in the uplands of West Devon. It is an unlikely job for a Welsh miner's son without a degree, but David Powlett-Jones (John Duttine) proves to be a rare schoolmaster, as passionate about learning as he is about teaching. Through two tumultuous decades, Powlett-Jones inspires his students with his courage and idealism, qualities that help prepare him to send another generation of young men off to fight yet another war.
Released Oct. 17, 1980
Episode 50 min
None+
Genres: Drama
Keywords: tmdb.based-on-novel-or-book, tmdb.miniseries, tmdb.teacher, tmdb.1910s, tmdb.devon, tmdb.boys-school, mdblist.imdb-tv-mini-series + 33 more, tmdb.public-school, tmdb.schoolmaster, imdb.private-school, imdb.boys-school, imdb.welshman, imdb.shell-shock, imdb.tv-mini-series, imdb.preparatory-school, imdb.british-upper-class, imdb.dormitory, imdb.upper-class, imdb.teenage-boy, imdb.anglican-priest, imdb.history-teacher, imdb.boy, imdb.headmaster, imdb.boarding-school, imdb.english, imdb.teacher-of-classical-languages, imdb.world-war-two, imdb.woman-in-politics, imdb.schoolteacher, imdb.school-sport, imdb.school-play, imdb.school-faculty, imdb.english-politics, imdb.english-countryside, imdb.1930s, imdb.1920s, imdb.world-war-one, imdb.based-on-novel, awards.emmy-award-nominated, imdb.socialism
Network: BBC One
Country: United Kingdom
Languages:
English
S1E1 - Part One
Although he once had dreams of a life in academia, injured soldier David Powlett-Jones arrives at Bamfylde a broken man haunted by the horrors of the front. Long, solitary walks and encouragement from Headmaster Herries help him regain strength and face the scrutiny of the other masters.
Oct. 17, 1980, midnight
S1E2 - Part Two
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.
Oct. 24, 1980, midnight
S1E3 - Part Three
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.
Oct. 31, 1980, midnight
S1E4 - Part Four
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.
Nov. 7, 1980, midnight
S1E5 - Part Five
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.
Nov. 14, 1980, midnight
S1E6 - Part Six
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.
Nov. 21, 1980, midnight
S1E7 - Part Seven
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.
Nov. 28, 1980, midnight
S1E8 - Part Eight
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.
Dec. 5, 1980, midnight
S1E9 - Part Nine
Outraged by Alcock's campaign to interrogate boys he suspects of ""unhealthy friendships"", David lashes out and Carter moves on. David becomes fascinated with Christine, a feisty upper-class socialist and politician who despises Bamfylde.
Dec. 12, 1980, midnight
S1E10 - Part Ten
Alcock arranges a formal board hearing to air his grievances against David. Despite the risk, David continues to take time away to support Christine's political career. At the hearing, Alcock issues an ultimatum.
Dec. 19, 1980, midnight
S1E11 - Part Eleven
The masters bid farewell to Alcock in their own unique ways. David becomes the heir apparent to the headmastership, but Herries cautions David that the job won't be handed to him.
Jan. 2, 1981, midnight
S1E12 - Part Twelve
Preliminaries to World War II have started. To David's delight and amazement, Christine shows up at Bamfylde to enroll a new student. A trip home to Wales for a family death stirs David's emotions about his divided loyalties. The German threat looms over everything.
Jan. 9, 1981, midnight
S1E13 - Part Thirteen
David revels in his new life as headmaster and husband, but Christine struggles to find her place at Bamfylde. Howarth makes a telling final request, and a letter reveals the imminent loss of another dear friend.
Jan. 16, 1981, midnight
Network: BBC One
Episode Runtime: 50 min.
Season Runtime: 50 min.
Released: Oct. 17, 1980
Last Air Date: Jan. 16, 1981, midnight
Status: Ended
Certification: NR
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