"To Serve Them All My Days" (1980) TV mini-series

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

10 October 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

David Powlett-Jones has just returned to England from the trenches of WWI. He was injured and shell-shocked and...

Plot Keywords:

Headmaster | English | Shell Shock | WWI | School Play

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy. Another 2 nominations

Cast

John Duttine	...	David Powlett-Jones (13 episodes, 1980-1981)
Frank Middlemass	...	Algy Herries (13 episodes, 1980-1981)
Alan MacNaughton	...	Howarth (12 episodes, 1980-1981)
Patricia Lawrence	...	Ellie Herries (10 episodes, 1980-1981)
Neil Stacy	...	Carter (8 episodes, 1980)

Runtime:

673 min (13 parts)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Canford School, Dorset, England, UK

Company:

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Trivia:

Matthew Waterhouse's first acting role.

Goofs:

Continuity: Several times, the length of David's tie changes between indoor and outdoor scenes in the same sequence. Example: Episode 8 opens with David walking back to Bamfylde early in the morning. His tie ends well above his belt. When David arrives at his house and talks with Molyneux, David's tie extends below his belt. From there, David goes outdoors to meet Algy and Brigadier Cooper, and his tie is once again short.

Quotes:

David Powlett-Jones: [after learning Julia is moving to the U.S] Why did you wait 'til now to tell me?
Julia Darbyshire: Well... at first I was nervous. And... then I realized I wanted to go to bed with you one last time. And you are such a gentleman, David, I... I knew you wouldn't let me if I told you.

Soundtrack:

School Song

One of my favorites

When this series played on Masterpiece Theatre in the early 80s, I was fortunate enough to live in an area with two PBS stations, each of which played the show twice a week at different times, so was able to watch the series four times through. Several years ago, it was shown again, and my father video-taped it for me, so that when I get the urge, I plunk in my videos and fall in love all over again.

I have seen a number of Masterpiece Theatres over the years, but this one has to be my favorite. The characters are well acted, especially PJ, played by John Duttine (isn't he gorgeous!)--sensitive, passionate, and above all, a survivor. The cynical Howarth is a perfect foil (he reminds me of an old Latin teacher I once had), and the perfect best friend. Then there's the interplay between Algy Herries and his wife (a comfortable couple if I ever saw one). And can anybody help but cringe when the "Noble" Alcock comes aboard? (Hissss)

Although I have my own homemade tapes of this program, I would be happier with a professional set and agree with others who have posted that this one ought to be released. Masterpiece Theatre at its finest.