Original subtitles

"End of Act One."

Come in.

Why aren't you at breakfast?

Look! It won't stop itching.

It must have been that stage make-up I used for the play.

I can't possibly go to breakfast looking like this.

Do you have a fever at all?

I have felt a little flushed

but that's just because I've been racing around nonstop.

Isn't there some kind of lotion you can give me?

Oh, it's far too late for that, I'm afraid.

What do you mean?

Well, according to your health certificate

you have never had the measles.

Do you mean to say...

Yes, I'm afraid it's straight to bed for you, young lady.

The last thing I need is another outbreak on my hands.

I'm sorry to bother you, Matron.

Oh, Mr Parker!

It's just.. I'm running a slight fever...

Hello, Georgina.

I'm sorry, I...

I just wanted to say, about the play

that I thought it was very good.

Shouldn't you be in the sanatorium?

Georgina's not well.

Matron sent me back to class.

Goodness. What on earth could be wrong?

Matron said something about spots? Might be measles.

It'll be acne.

I've heard it can leave terrible scars.

- I must go and see her. - You can't!

Matron said no girls are to enter under any circumstances.

Oh, bother. I've only gone and forgotten my Latin prep.

You go ahead.

Mr Parker, I was wondering if...

What is this exactly?

Well, I was so inspired by your Summit of Love for Open Day.

I was quite swept up by the drama you wrote.

I felt compelled to try my hand..

That's Act One...

And what is the play about?

A school matron

torn between her love for a dashing count

and her lifelong devotion to the girls in her charge.

I look forward to hearing what you think.

Welcome back.

Monsieur Parker has been taken sick

which means it has been left to me to cover his class.

But now I find out Miss Grayling has an appointment with her solicitor

which means I will also have to cover the fifth form girls.

As I can't be at two places at once

Sally will have to cover this class in my absence.

I expect you to treat her as you would any teacher.

You can count on us, Mam'zelle Rougier.

I have a list of work for you to complete by the end of the day.

Once all these tasks are completed

I'd like you all to tidy the classroom. C'est compris?

- Yes, Mam'zelle. - Yes, Mam'zelle Rougier.

It looks like we've got a busy day ahead of us.

So, shall we get started?

You heard Miss Hope. Let's get to work.

Georgina.

I came as soon as I heard the terrible news.

Is it really that bad?

Haven't you seen?

It's just as well I came prepared.

Your beautiful mirror.

I knew you'd be positively lost without it.

I'm so sorry for leaving you in the lurch with the play.

Can you ever forgive me?

Gwendoline Mary Lacey!

The sanatorium is strictly out of bounds.

I'm sorry, Matron.

I just couldn't bear the idea of poor Georgina being here on her own.

You stay exactly where you are.

Oh, the writing on your health certificate is all smudged.

I can't make sense of it.

Which means I'm going to have to telephone your parents

to find out if you've ever had the measles.

The measles?

Because if you haven't

there's every chance you've caught it now from Georgina here.

Don't even think about leaving this room.

Do you understand me?

I do not want you spreading it to the other girls.

Never mind.

A little bit of rest and relaxation will do me the world of good.

I think you underestimate just how serious the measles can be.

Perhaps a bun and some cocoa would be a useful distraction?

I've a much better idea.

I want this floor so clean I can see my face in it.

And do not disturb Mr Parker.

Shall I hand out the worksheets, Miss Hope?

Yes. Thank you, Alicia.

Why are you being so helpful?

Because the sooner we finish this work

the sooner we can all go to the beach!

The beach?

There's no way I'm staying in today.

Thank you!

Miss Hope. I've finished!

Well, then can you get started on your Latin comprehension please?

I have finished that too.

How is everyone else getting on?

I only started Latin when I came here.

I have a lot to catch up on.

You just need to do some quiet reading

so the rest of us can catch up.

But that's not fair.

Mam'zelle Rougier left me with a strict set of instructions.

Poppycock!

You can't let us to stay inside on such a beautiful day.

Alicia...

Come on, Sally.

We can just say we did the work.

Mam'zelle doesn't need to know we snuck out early.

Mam'zelle put her trust in me, Alicia.

Don't be a stick in the mud!

You're not the one who'll get into trouble.

So you're not going to let us leave?

No, not unless you're sick.

Now, can the rest of you get on with your work, please.

Well, that is just splendid, isn't it?

Special delivery.

For me? How lovely.

They're for Georgina.

Daddy's here to look over the grounds.

Thankfully, he's already had the measles.

So I've said that he can visit you in the sanatorium garden

just as soon as he's finished his survey.

I expect Daddy will want to finalise plans for my birthday.

I'm having a summer ball, you know?

A summer ball?

How positively delightful.

It'll only be a small affair.

Just a few hundred of my closest friends.

Will it be at your house in France?

Yes. We'll open up the ballroom

so we can take full advantage of the sea view.

What I wouldn't give to attend a society party.

This floor isn't going to mop itself you know.

It might even help my recovery

knowing I had something to live for.

Subtlety isn't your strong suit, Gwen.

I'm sorry?

I will have to look over the guest list

but I'll certainly consider it.

Well, if it means that much to you

it would be churlish of me not to accept.

I'm going to try your mother again.

Alicia! Where were you at lunch? Class is about to start.

I'm sorry. I just felt very weak.

I've had enough of your silly games.

Oh, my goodness. Your face!

What is it?

You've come out in the most terrible rash.

That would explain my temperature. I'm burning up.

I should fetch Matron.

No, no. I'll just rest here for the afternoon.

At least let me fetch you a cold flannel.

No, I'm sure I'll feel better after a few hours sleep.

You've got a temperature.

This should take it down.

Thank you. I feel much better now.

I knew you were faking it!

I had to do something to get out of your boring lessons.

And now we're late for class.

You really are a rotter, Alicia. Come on!

Sally! Oh, Sally! Wait...

Alicia!

- Just getting my shoes! - Let's go. Now!

I'm writing a list to your father

about how he can improve Malory Towers.

Number one, expel Darrell Rivers, of course

and I really do think he should do something

about the consistency of the porridge.

My father is a businessman.

He doesn't know the first thing about running a school.

Then why on earth would he invest all that money?

It seems you haven't been forgotten after all. A gift from Mary-Lou.

Bless, Mary-Lou.

She really is such a dear friend.

She's kindly lent you her French textbook.

We can't have you falling behind now, can we?

Your father should be on his way to the sanatorium garden

if you're ready to go and meet him.

Very much!

You are to remain in the garden at all times. Is that understood?

Perhaps I should accompany Georgina?

You are not going anywhere. Sit down.

Excuse me, Mr Parker. I need to try Mrs Lacey again.

Of course, Matron.

Hello, it's Matron here...

Daddy!

I was so worried when Matron telephoned. How are you feeling?

I'm all right, apart from these dreadful spots.

Well don't worry. I'm sure they'll clear up in time for your birthday.

And with any luck

by then we'll both have something to celebrate.

Why? What's happened?

Take a look at this.

What is it?

This is kaolin.

Otherwise known as China clay.

Do you have any idea what this means?

We are standing on a small fortune.

Well, that's good, isn't it.

It means Miss Grayling doesn't have to worry about money anymore.

It's not quite as simple as that.

The seam runs directly under the school.

The only way to get to it is to demolish Malory Towers.

What? Oh, Daddy...

I take no pleasure from it.

You don't understand. The girls will be absolutely furious with me.

Look, you can't afford to be sentimental

when it comes to business, Georgina.

Get well soon.

Bye bye, Daddy.

Could everyone make a start on their Latin comprehension, please?

We've wasted enough time as it is.

Now, please. Sit down, Alicia.

I've had enough of you bossing me about, Sally Hope.

Fine. Then go and stand in the corridor.

- You want me to leave? - Yes. If you can't behave.

You heard her everyone.

Miss Hope says we can all leave if we want to.

No, I didn't say that.

No, wait, please don't go. Mam'zelle set us work!

Last one to the beach is a rotten tomato.

- No! - Thank you, Sally!

Come back!

Did you have a lovely time with your father?

Not really.

Daddy had the most dreadful news.

Is it anything I can help with?

You wouldn't understand. It's to do with his business.

Actually, I know all about clay.

We studied it in our first term.

You were listening to our conversation!

No, I went to the garden to say thank you

to your father for saving the school...

You really are the most dreadful busybody, Gwendoline Lacey!

Well, at least I'm not a deceitful beast like your father.

I beg your pardon?

You're right, of course.

The other girls would never forgive you

if they knew what your father had planned.

You're not... you're not going to say anything, are you?

I couldn't possibly keep such a terrible secret like that to myself.

It's just my father was going to suggest

that your mother came to my summer ball, too.

He did so enjoy meeting her at Open Day.

You'd be such lovely guests.

So let's say no more about this then, shall we?

Matron!

It's imperative that I'm discharged immediately.

I have a very important matter to deal with.

Absolutely not.

I've still to confirm your medical records.

You don't understand. The future of Malory Towers is at stake.

Not another word.

Matron, could you at least give Mary-Lou the textbook

that she so kindly lent me?

I'd hate for her to fall behind on her prep.

Right. Hurry up then.

Honestly, you girls and your histrionics.

Anyone would think Malory Towers was about to fall apart around us.

Thank you both for staying and helping to clean up.

No problem!

Mary-Lou.

Where are the rest of the girls?

I let them go swimming as a reward for their hard work.

If I didn't know better

I would think you were covering for your friends.

I am willing to overlook it

but I will not stand for any more nonsense from you girls.

- C'est compris? - Yes, Mam'zelle.

Ah, Mary-Lou. Excuse me, Miss Rougier

but Gwendoline said that Mary-Lou would need this for her prep.

I believe there is a note of thanks inside.

Thank you, Matron.

Matron, how is Monsieur Parker?

Oh, do not worry, Miss Rougier. I'm taking very good care of him.

I can't believe we got away with it.

That's because Sally's such only a good sport.

She could have easily got Alicia and Irene into trouble.

Thank you.

Come on.

Time for tea!

This isn't a thank-you note.

What does it say?

"Urgent. I've found out something terrible..."

What on Earth can Gwen mean?

Has Mr Parker been asking for me?

Well, I shan't disturb him then.

You did give Mary-Lou her book back for me, didn't you?

I said I would.

Now, get some rest.

You girls have worn me out today.

"Mr Thomas plans to mine the land"

"and demolish Malory Towers."

Oh, my goodness.

We have to tell Miss Grayling.

Thank you, Gwen! Let's go!

- Mary-Lou! - Sorry!

Why are you girls running in the corridor?

We need to speak to Miss Grayling!

I have already warned you girls...

You don't understand!

Mr Thomas doesn't want to save Malory Towers.

He wants to destroy it!

Pardon?

That is a very serious allegation you are making.

- Where did you hear this? - From Gwen.

And where did Gwen hear this exactly?

We're not quite certain, but...

I'm sure Gwen wouldn't want to lie about something so important.

I will be the judge of that.

You'll talk to Miss Grayling?

I most certainly will.

Thank you, Mam'zelle.

How is everything, Mam'zelle?

Très bien, Miss Grayling!

But I tell you, the second form girls

they make trouble as usual.

Oh, dear.

Is it something I should be concerned about?

Just a tall tale from Gwendoline Lacey.

Still in the grips of a fever, no doubt.

Nothing for you to worry about.

Mr Parker, have you had time to...

Oh, please, don't keep me in suspense.

What did you think of it?

You really are a credit to the school, Matron.

And the care you show the girls is exemplary.

The hours you spend tending to their every demand

however trivial, however important

is an example to all the teaching staff.

And..

Mr Parker, open up, please.

Am I to understand

you feel my talents are best served helping the girls?

97 degrees Fahrenheit precisely.

I think we can safely rule out the measles.

I think I'd better just collect my things.

Matron speaking.

Ah, Mrs Lacey. Thank you for returning my call.

Oh she has, has she?

Many thanks.

These girls are endless trouble aren't they, Mr Parker?

But we do always teach them to be honest, do we not?

Indeed, we do.

Thank you.

Gwendoline Mary Lacey.

Pack up your bag and return to the dormitory immediately.

Yes, your friend will be here for a few more days yet

but I have no doubt she'll make a full recovery.

Is it true they want to demolish the school?

Yes, Gwen told us.

Gwen saved the school?

Gwen! What are you doing back here?

It turns out I've already had the measles.

Oh, we told Mam'zelle Rougier about Mr Thomas.

We can't thank you enough, Gwen.

I'm only pleased I was able to play a small part in saving the school.

What do you suppose will happen now?

Miss Grayling will have to find another investor I suppose.

What a rotten day.

Irene got stung by a wasp and my towel blew into the sea.

Did anyone find out we sneaked out?

Mam'zelle asked but Sally covered for you.

Sally, I'm sorry I was a beast.

The beach would have been a lot more fun if you'd all been there.

Have you all seem to forgotten

that we'd all be standing in rubble now if it weren't for me?

I'll explain on the way to supper.

- So, what happened? - Right. Where shall we start?

He planned to demolish the school, til Gwen saved the day.

He wanted to mine the land...