Originally broadcast by BBC1 in 1971.

Film based on the novel by Thomas Hughes.

Special features of these DVDs: Thomas Hughes biography ; Rugby School history ; cast filmographies ; photo gallery ; Dolby Digital ; scene selection.

Anthony Murphy, Iain Cuthbertson.

In an upper-class Victorian boarding school, a loveable schoolboy suffers at the hands of a cruel bully and is inspired by a forward-thinking headmaster.

Episode one: An outbreak of fever ends Tom's school term prematurely, and he arrives home happy to ride his horse and roughhouse with the local boys. His parents, however, worry about furthering his education. Sir Richard Flashman, a family acquaintance, has a fateful encounter with Tom on his way to the elite Rugby School because "a gentleman should grow to manhood among his own kind."

Episode two: As he settles into Rugby with the help of his new friend East, Tom encounters the worst bully in the school, Flashman, who is Sir Richard's son and bound on settling his father's score with Tom. Rugby's new headmaster, Dr. Arnold, is appalled at the school's useless curriculum and the drunken wantonness of the boys. He vows to institute sane and healthy reforms.

Episode three: On a nine-mile footrace intended to test the older boys' mettle, Flashman displays his cavalier disregard for truth and honor. Knowing the truth about the race, Tom and his friends gain a temporary advantage over Flashman and his band of bullies. Dr. Arnold presses the trustees for funds to improve living conditions for the boys.

Episode four: The second term begins on a good note when the boys discover their new, single beds. Diggs and "Madman" befriend East and Brown, hoping to shield the younger boys from their torturers. Nevertheless, Flashman intensifies his attacks on Brown, finally luring Tom into a trap that works like a charm.

Episode five: Though recovering form his humiliation. Tom remains disillusioned about Dr. Arnold's failure to believe him. Rosy tries to help Tom, risking the wrath of her father. Out of desperation, Diggs tries beating the truth out of Coates, Flashman's henchman. But Flashman remains as cunning as ever.

Not rated.

Not rated.

DVD.

Closed captioned for the hearing impaired.