Goodbye, Mr. Chips

[Chipping has threatened to resign because he is being ordered by Ralston, the new headmaster, to make fundamental changes and modernisations to the way that he teaches and he is vigorously opposed to these changes. In Assembly, Ralston assumes that Sir John Rivers, Chairman of the Governors, will support him in this. However Rivers is an old boy of the school and has his own loyalties]

Ralston: In the few weeks since I've been Headmaster, we've achieved a great deal. But there's more to be done. Some of you may recognise our guest this morning - a pleasant surprise - Chairman of the Governors, Sir John Rivers. And I'm sure that he will have a few words to say to us about the *necessary* changes which Brookfield must now embrace.

[Rivers looks furious at what Ralston is expecting him to say]

Sir John Rivers: Good morning, gentlemen. My time at Brookfield shaped my life, and I'm pleased and proud to be here today to acknowledge that. The Headmaster has spoken of change, and we must all embrace change, how ever unpleasant. But we at Brookfield must also be aware of that sense of continuity, that sense of tradition, that has made us what we are - Brookfeldians. As you are aware, one of the pillars of the school has been your and my Latin teacher, Mr Chipping. You are also aware that we have been in danger of losing him. I now invite him to change his decision, and to confirm that he will stay with us, by leading us all in the School Prayer.

[Rivers sits down]

Ralston: [whispers angrily] You have placed me in an *impossible* position.

Sir John Rivers: [grinning] You've done that for yourself.

[Ralston looks utterly defeated as all the boys start to chant "Chips, Chips" in support of Chipping, to persuade him to change his mind]