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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

Drama

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.

Oct 17, 19801 seasons13 episodesEndedEN

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Jonathan Duttine

David Powlett-Jones

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Frank Middlemass

Algy Herries

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Seasons

Miniseries

13 episodes

Premiered Oct 17, 1980

Episodes

1–6 of 13

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Ep 1

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.

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Ep 2

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.

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Ep 3

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.

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Ep 4

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.

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Ep 5

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.

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Ep 6

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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