Tom Brown's School Days

Unrated

6/26/19401h 26m

Theatrical Release (US)

Overview:

When private tutor Thomas Arnold becomes headmaster at an English preparatory school for boys, he puts into place a policy of strict punishment against unruliness and bullying. Arnold finds an ally in Tom Brown, a new student who is secretly subjected to abuse by a group of older boys. He eventually plucks up the courage to lead his fellow classmates in an underground rebellion against their tormentors.

Director:

Robert Stevenson

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Key words:

based on novel or book
boarding school
bully
19th century

Cast

Cedric Hardwicke

~ as ~

Dr. Thomas Arnold

Freddie Bartholomew

~ as ~

East

Jimmy Lydon

~ as ~

Tom Brown

Josephine Hutchinson

~ as ~

Mrs. Mary Arnold

Billy Halop

~ as ~

Flashman

Polly Moran

~ as ~

Sally Harowell

Hughie Green

~ as ~

Walker Brooke

Ernest Cossart

~ as ~

Squire Brown

Alec Craig

~ as ~

Old Thomas

Gale Storm

~ as ~

Effie

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

CinemaSerf
Written 3 year(s) ago
7
There is something almost vicarious about this depiction of the trials and tribulations of the young "Tom Brown" (Jimmy Lydon) as he struggles at the famous Rugby school. It's more of an evaluation of his impassioned headmaster "Thomas Arnold" (Sir Cedric Hardwicke in one of his more substantial roles) who, despite his reputation for rather unorthodox teaching, accepts this position determined to drag education kicking and screaming, if needs be, into a new century. Like it or not, "Brown" is the to be held up as exemplar for his ideals. The story addresses the issues around modernising learning, but also of integrity and decency (and, frequently, the lack of those virtues) amongst the boys as they grow into men. "Flashman" (Billy Halop) is particularly effective as the young man's tormentor and Robert Stevenson creates a story that offers us an opportunity to scrutinise the aspirations (and sacrifices) of both teacher and pupils alike. Freddie Bartholomew ("Ned") and Josephine Hutchinson ("Mrs. Arnold") add richness to, and diversion from, the intensity of the story and help present us with decent thought-provoking exposé of attitudes and loyalties that still resonate 80 years later...