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Series · 1980 – 1981 · Drama

To Serve Them All My Days

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

★7.8 1980 – 1981 1 Season Andrew Davies TV-MA

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.

Seasons & episodes

1 season · 13 episodes

Part One

Episode 01

Part One

Oct 17, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 02

Part Two

Oct 24, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 03

Part Three

Oct 31, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 04

Part Four

Nov 7, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 05

Part Five

Nov 14, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 06

Part Six

Nov 21, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 07

Part Seven

Nov 28, 1980 · 50 min

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

Episode 08

Part Eight

Dec 5, 1980 · 50 min

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.

Part Nine

Episode 09

Part Nine

Dec 12, 1980 · 50 min

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.

Part Ten

Episode 10

Part Ten

Dec 19, 1980 · 50 min

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.

Part Eleven

Episode 11

Part Eleven

Jan 2, 1981 · 50 min

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.

Part Twelve

Episode 12

Part Twelve

Jan 9, 1981 · 50 min

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.

Part Thirteen

Episode 13

Part Thirteen

Jan 16, 1981 · 50 min

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.

About the series

To Serve Them All My Days poster
Audience score
★ 7.8 /10

based on 4 votes

Synopsis

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.

Drama

Cast

2 principal cast

John Duttine

John Duttine

David Powlett-Jones

Frank Middlemass

Frank Middlemass

Algy Herries

Where to watch To Serve Them All My Days

To Serve Them All My Days is available to stream on Flicksy via 6 verified sources, aggregated from publicly available embed providers. The drama from Andrew Davies has 1 season and 13 total episodes, rated 7.8/10 by 4 viewers.

Frequently asked

How many seasons does To Serve Them All My Days have?

To Serve Them All My Days has 1 season with 13 episodes in total.

Is To Serve Them All My Days still on the air?

To Serve Them All My Days has ended and is no longer in production.

What network airs To Serve Them All My Days?

To Serve Them All My Days airs on BBC One.

When did To Serve Them All My Days first air?

To Serve Them All My Days first aired on October 17, 1980.

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