Young Winston (1972)

Robert Hardy: Prep School Headmaster

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Quotes 

• Winston (aged 7) : Sir, but, what does it mean?

  Prep School Headmaster : I have told you. "Mensa" in Latin means "a table."

  Winston (aged 7) : But, it means "o table," too, sir. And what does "o table" mean?

  Prep School Headmaster : "Mensa" - "o table" - is the vocative case. "O Table." You would use that in addressing the table, in invoking a table. You would use it in speaking to a table.

  Winston (aged 7) : But, I never do sir?

  Prep School Headmaster : Churchill, in this school, if you are impertinent you will be punished and be punished, let me tell you, very severely.

• Prep School Headmaster : I am going to tell you something I shall want you to remember always. Your school days are the most important days of your life. How you get on here will determine precisely how you get on in the world. Succeed here and you will succeed as a man. Fail here and you will be a failure to the end of your days. Do you understand?

  Winston (aged 7) : Yes, sir.

  Prep School Headmaster : Good. Your father is a great man. Be like him, in all things.