Lawrence Hastings , retired prep school headmaster, has few pleasures in life. One is flying a kite, until this too is spoilt by the intrusions of an irritating small boy.

'An Englishman thinks automatically in terms of class. It's an occupational hazard. He can no more control it than lick his own tongue.'

'You said I'm a teacher as if that makes me into a boss. I'm just someone who has to be here, same as you.' Redfern, a student teacher, thinks today's educational system is all wrong...

' Whatever you think of me doesn't change what you are. Rabble who've heard of socialism and think it's ten pints a night. Go on, vote me out ...' with the GYRLAIS MALE VOICE CHOIR

'I'm unusual. I really want to be an architect. Always have done. Always wanted to build fine buildings and fine cities where people can work and eat and sleep and be happy. But the rules of the game say before you can do that you've got to start a firm. Employ people. Turn it into a career. I like architecture. I hate careers. The minute you make it a career you build a ladder and people want to climb it. Sometimes they stand on your fingers. It's hard to draw with flattened fingers. Spoils your draughtsmanship.'

'Listen Dad, it's me, Tom. I know you recognise me. Why don't you speak? Just say my name. Tom.' Dad's bewildering silence forces the family to face truths they would rather forget.

' Dear Alan ... I'm still in the old job, His Excellency's most excellent chauffeur.... '

"1975 was the year of the disaster movie, yeah? So what stops 1976 being the year of the disastrous disaster movie?"