Tom Brown's Schooldays
In 1830s England, Tom Brown attends a rugby boys' school, where his moral and personal growth is formed through friendship, bullying–particularly from the cruel Flashman–and the influence of headmaster Dr Thomas Arnold.
Status
Released
Original Language
EN
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Release Date
April 17, 1951
Popularity
1
Director
Gordon Parry
Writer
Noel Langley
Producer
Brian Desmond Hurst
Where to Watch
Cast
John Howard Davies
Tom Brown
Robert Newton
Thomas Arnold
James Hayter
Old Thomas
John Charlesworth
East
John Forrest
Flashman
Michael Hordern
Wilkes
Max Bygraves
Coach Guard
Francis de Wolff
Squire Brown
Amy Veness
Mrs. Wixie
Brian Worth
Judd
Rachel Gurney
Mrs. Arthur
Michael Brennan
Black Bart
Michael Ward
Master
Neil North
Diggs
Glyn Dearman
Arthur
Diana Wynyard
Mrs. Arnold
Hermione Baddeley
Sally Harrowell
Kathleen Byron
Mrs. Brown
Gallery
Reviews
CinemaSerf
John Howard Davies - probably most famous for his portrayal of orphan "Oliver Twist" in David Lean's classic - is a little too weedy, for me, as the title character in this adaptation of Thomas Hughes' story about a young boy sent to the prestigious Rugby School in the 1830's where he encounters bullies; brutality and ultimately kindness. Robert Newton turns in a great performance as "Dr. Arnold" who believes that the somewhat cruel educational practices are of the past, and so he and "Tom Brown" try to improve things. This film is not so faithful to the book; but uses the two lead performances, as well as a convincing effort from John Forrest as his nemesis "Flashman", to convey much of it's sentiment. I probably preferred the 1940 version, but there's not much in it.
