Goodbye, Mr. Chips

In 1924, Arthur Chipping, known as 'Chips', is an established member of Brookfield's staff who teaches Latin and Greek. He is respected by some, but his pupils find him dull and call him 'Ditchy'. This marks the start of his long career at Brookfield.

In the dining room of the Savoy Hotel on the eve of his summer holiday, Chips meets Katherine Bridges, a music hall soubrette. She is dissatisfied with her career and social circle, and is depressed by her romantic entanglements. The encounter sparks a connection that will lead to a later day together.

During a Mediterranean cruise, Chips and Katherine are reunited in Paestum, Italy. They spend a nice day together and recognize a shared loneliness. This encounter deepens their bond and foreshadows a future together.

Back in Britain, they arrange an evening at the theatre, during which they quickly fall in love. Katherine's presence softens Chips, and his pupils begin to like him more as a result. Their growing romance promises a new life beyond his strict teaching routines.

Autumn term arrives and Chips returns to Brookfield accompanied by his new wife. The staff react with shock, while the pupils are delighted by Mrs. Chips' charm. Her presence softens Chips and changes the dynamic at the school.

Lord Sutterwick learns of Chips' marriage to Katherine and vows to deprive Brookfield of a planned financial endowment, including the playing field. Katherine counters by threatening to reveal Sutterwick's past dalliance with her friend Ursula Mossbank. The stakes become personal as money and pride are at risk.

Katherine effectively runs away to London after their confrontation. Chips takes a two-week leave from Brookfield to travel to London and retrieve her. The couple's bond remains strong as they confront the power of Sutterwick together.

Katherine returns with ammunition to bring Lord Sutterwick to heel, appearing as his former lover, Ursula Mossback. Sutterwick relents and honors the endowment to Brookfield. Her move secures Brookfield's finances and cements their alliance.

When the Brookfield headmaster retires in 1939, Sutterwick uses his influence to install a less senior teacher. Chips immediately resigns, feeling his status is being undermined. The school faces a turning point as the threat of war looms.

Facing the looming outbreak of World War II, the headmaster reports that the Board begs him to reconsider Chips's resignation. Chips remains at Brookfield after weighing his wife's disappointment over the move. The threat of war accelerates changes at the school.

A new headmaster takes over and serves until 1944, when he gains a government post. Chips is finally given his long-awaited promotion five years late. This delays personal happiness but preserves his career at Brookfield.

Before Chips can tell Katherine the news of his promotion, she is killed by a German V-1 flying bomb while entertaining troops at a local RAF base. Her death shatters Chips's personal life and marks a turning point in his later years.

Chips retires after the war but continues to live in town and stays involved with Brookfield. He is comforted by visits from his former pupils and by memories of Katherine. His long career and the memory of Katherine endure in the town.