Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill

This story is set at a bording school...the sort of place that used to be popular for middle class and up and coming families. The one here has a headmaster that simply accepts no discussion from his staff and he treats them like the pupils.

Into this fascist sort of environment arrives a new teacher, Mr. Traill. Traill is fresh out of the military but is a rather decent and laid back guy. This is a problem, as his superior, Mr. Perrin is a very rigid and small-minded man. Traill's manners and style rub him wrong...and Perrin takes an almost immediate dislike for him. Finishing up the term here is going to be very difficult and you assume sooner or later, something has to give as the tension is so obvious that the kids pick up on it. The ending to this tale is very shocking and a bit surprise. I also loved the scene just after this between Traill and the headmaster...it's very welcome.

Overall, an extremely well acted and enjoyable character study that is well worth your time.

An unsparing portrait of school life reminiscent of the Swedish film 'Frenzy' with Marius Goring portraying Mr Chips as if he'd never mellowed. Although Hugh Walpole's novel had originally been published in 1911 it's plain this postwar version didn't require much updating.

David Farrar comes to teach at a public school, and finds himself at war with senior master Marius Goring. Goring considers the new man an affront because he complains when he uses both bath tubs each morning -- one hot soak and one cold plunge -- borrows his umbrella without asking, and steals the imagined affection of Greta Gynt and the real affection of the schoolboys. Farrar comes to realize that Goring is insane, an insanity driven by the snide and pointless railings of the headmaster, Raymond Huntley.

It's based on a novel by the prolific Hugh Walpole, and makes me think of the adage that the reason academic fights are so vicious is because the stakes are small. Why anyone should be at this school is beyond me. Anyone who would send their children to this hidebound, rotten institute is clear neglect. Still, Goring is perfect in in his thankless role; he made a career of playing bizarre creatures, and this was near his peak.

I found this to be a jaw dropping, rather disturbing movie. All about bullying, the headmaster bullying staff, the teacher bullying the children and the new teacher. Underneath all of this, the children treat it as the norm and are as happy as can be.

Terrific acting by all involved, this is, apart from the over-dramatic last ten minutes, an utterly believable movie.

The very last line is brilliantly delivered and says so much.

Terrific movie.

Interesting study of Edwardian values and manners in England before the Beatles and sexual revolution of the 60's.

Unlike many films of the period, it is not overplayed, the characters are well acted and convincing.