Question about 'Julius Caesar' Scene

Yes, it was quite common, and remained so until its use was prohibited (despite opposition from a large portion of the population) in state schools in 1986.

nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit.

This sort of punishment was very common at my school (I started at my secondary school in 1970, so i was just about the same age as the main characters). Strangely it was usually referred to as a 'slipper' but nearly always was a large plimsoll and bizarrely, teachers really did have pet names for their 'slippers'! Slipperings were mainly given to the boys who transgressed the petty rules. PE teachers were particularly fond of using them as i can personally attest. Girls would usually get lines or detentions for the same minor rule breaking. For major crimes, at my school both boys and girls would be caned which was far more painful. This i assume was the case in the film, judging from the headmaster's comments when he was questioning Danny and Melody about their truanting - and the very realistic worried expression which spreads across their faces.

When i first saw 'Melody' i was truly amazed how every facet of the school life was so accurately portrayed! The noisy scenes in the dining hall were particular familiar. Plus the teachers eccentricity and dialog were just how the teachers acted and spoke at my school. An example of this is when Miss fairfax threatens to send the boys to Mr Dicks after she catches them spying on the dance lesson. This was typical of how female staff could maintain control without resorting to corporal punishment themselves and it worked very well. This simple threat nearly always quelled any boisterous or anti social behaviour.

So if you went to school in Britain after 1986 count yourselves very lucky!!!!!!