Favourite TV Drama Clips: 4
I expect most readers of this blog know
the story of Tom Brown’s Schooldays, probably the most famous story in
history about life at an English elite “public” school.
The BBC adapted it for a five-part series
in 1971 and one of its scenes makes Number 4 in my personal Top 20 favourite school CP scenes from TV drama.
It went out during Sunday afternoons and gathered
great praise from critics but also received criticism for including scenes of “sadism”.
Critics pointed to bullying by boys and beatings by masters.
The series was rarely seen again on
television but was issued as a DVD.
In this clip Tom (played by Anthony
Murphy) is beaten in front of the school by headmaster Dr Arnold (played by Ian
Cuthbertson).
Picture
and video credit: Acorn Media / BBC
Traditionalschooldiscipline@gmail.com
excellent caning. That fourth or fifth spectating boy they zoom in on clearly enjoyed the spectacle too didn't he - and who can blame him? Brooke had a very caneable bottom
ReplyDeleteWho is Brooke? This was Tom.
DeleteYes, thank you to Anonymous for making this point. I have always been confused as to whether this is Tom being caned in front of the House, or in front of the entire school. Some sites describe it as the entire school. Which even so long ago, there don't seem to be enough people for that. Please could this be checked or adjusted?
DeleteBrooke may have had a cane able bottom but it is Tom being beaten. And a very decent public flogging it is too. Flashman is clearly enjoying seeing Tom’s punishment, but his comes at the end of the series. While this caning was only in front of the house, Flashman and his sidekick are flagged in front of the whole school.
ReplyDeleteI think I might put this series up at number 1! There are also two canings of Flashman and his henchman gets caned too. Filmed 55 years ago its a shame we can't find out more about these boy actors and what they made of it. Do we think Murphy;s backside was subject to some protection in those first couple of shots to allow some contact and add to the authenticity?
DeleteI remember thoroughly enjoying seeing Flashman getting his comeuppance at the end of the series, back in the day!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know where the "horsing" tradition comes from? Surely Brown could have been ordered to bend over a desk or table; whereas two (admittedly senior) boys need to restrain him in this elaborate one. Does anyone know if it was more "ritual" than practical?
ReplyDeleteIn my time (1950's), never mind desk or table, just bend down and touch the floor and endure it until it was all over.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't he have been birched on the barebottom instead
ReplyDelete