The Browning Version (1994 film)

The Browning Version is a 1994 film directed by Mike Figgis and starring Albert Finney. The film is based on the 1948 play by Terence Rattigan, which was previously adapted for film under the same name in 1951.

As his retirement at the end of the school term draws near, Andrew is approached by a quiet and sensitive pupil named Taplow who has detected the unhappiness and loneliness of his teacher and makes an attempt to reach out to him, saying that Andrews Latin teachings have inspired him. Taplow gives Andrew a gift a rare copy of an early edition of the Browning Version the 1877 translation by Robert Browning of Aeschylus ancient play Agamemnon. Touched by this gesture, Andrews emotional guard begins to be let down for the first time. Increasingly aware of Andrews isolation, Frank feels guilty about the affair with Laura and ends the relationship. Shortly before the endofterm school assembly in which Andrew will make his farewell speech, Laura tells her husband that she wants their marriage to end and that she intends to leave him.The schools senior staff want Andrew to make his speech first, to be followed by the farewell speech of a younger, more popular teacher who is leaving to pursue a career as a cricket player. But Andrew insists on going second, even though the headmaster angrily says that it will give the ceremony an anticlimax. To the surprise of everyone, including Laura who has lingered to watch the event, Andrews speech is highly emotional and revelatory, apologising for his failures both as a teacher and as a person. Moved by the speech, the pupils and staff give Andrew a huge applause. ........

Source: Wikipedia