Goodnight, Mister Tom

In September 1939, as Britain anticipates the outbreak of war, many children from cities are evacuated to the countryside to escape German bombings. William Beech arrives in the small village of Little Weirwold, carrying the emotional scars of his troubled home life. The government organizes a mass evacuation to protect the children from the impending conflict.

William is dropped off at Tom Oakley's house, where he is timid, frail, and covered with bruises. His strict mother arranged for him to stay with someone religious or near a church, but Tom, a reclusive widower, takes him in despite his initial distant attitude. William begins to settle into a new environment filled with kindness.

William starts attending school, making friends with classmates like George, Carrie, Ginnie, and Zach. With Tom's help, he learns to read, write, and explores his talents in drawing, painting, and dramatics. His confidence begins to grow as he experiences normal childhood activities for the first time.

William receives a letter from his mother, claiming she is ill and requesting his return. Excited to reunite with her and show off his progress, William prepares to leave Little Weirwold. However, his mother is displeased upon hearing about his new life and begins to reveal her abusive and neglectful nature.

William's mother becomes angry when he defends Zach, and she violently assaults him, knocking him unconscious and imprisoning him in a cupboard under the stairs. William is found bruised and chained, suffering in the darkness, as his mother shows neglect and cruelty during her visit.

Tom, suspecting that something is wrong, travels to London and locates William's house. With police help, he finds William chained and malnourished. William is rescued and hospitalized to recover from his physical and emotional scars, experiencing nightmares and trauma from his ordeal.

While in the hospital, William begins to heal and learns about the truth of his mother's life and her death by suicide. Through support from Zach and teacher Annie Hartridge, he understands that his sister’s death was not his fault and that his mother’s actions were cruel and misguided. William gradually regains strength and hope.

Tom fights to keep William with him, and after authorities are informed, Tom is allowed to adopt William. They enjoy a holiday at Salmouth, where William starts to see himself as part of a loving family. Zach, who receives news of his injured father, departs to return to London amidst the looming threat of the Blitz.

Zach returns to London but is tragically killed in the Blitz. William is deeply affected by the loss, feeling grief and helplessness but gradually beginning to accept the reality of death and loss. The event marks a significant emotional moment in William's maturation.

William befriends Geoffrey Sanderton, a one-legged war veteran who mentors him in art. Through these lessons and shared experiences, William begins to process his trauma. He learns that Zach will always be part of him and starts to find peace with his past, using art and friendship as his healing tools.

William teaches himself to ride Zach’s bike, symbolizing his growing independence. As he bonds with Carrie and reflects on his journey, William realizes how much he has changed since arriving in Little Weirwold. He begins to see himself as someone capable of overcoming his painful past.

One night, William, now calling Tom 'Dad', looks back on his life and recognizes how much he has grown up. The experiences of loss, love, and healing have shaped him into a resilient young man. He understands that his journey is ongoing, but he is ready to face the future with hope.