Tom Brown's School Days

6/23/2022

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 torment