The Verger by W. Somerset Maugham

The plot of Maugham's "The Verger" is about a church verger named Foreman who loves this job and does it well, until a new pastor is hired, discovers Foreman cannot read and fires him. Foreman then goes on to start a successful business on his own and continues to be happy with what he has. Years after, when he is at the bank to sign papers, the banker is surprised to learn Foreman can't read despite his enormous success.

[@thomashogan16]

My favorite Maugham story. The last line of the story just blows the reader away. Perfection!

[@karmelicanke]

I agree, my favourite also. I could watch this charming film every week.

[@2Sugarbears]

I remembered that line from the age of 14 on. It struck me so strongly Now, I understand.

[@alidabaxter5849]

I adore this and always have - perfect story, perfectly acted and I have always loved both James Hayter and Kathleen Harrison.

[@christopherbellore3511]

This is one of my favorite Short Stories of all time.

[@JOHN-tk6vl]

These were great stories.

[@mikecane]

Thanks for posting this. Another version went away. I always come back to this story. Even though people dismiss it as a story, it's not far-fetched. People shouldn't underestimate their potential no matter what odds are against them. Thanks again.

[@rgnyc]

My son pointed me to this, and I loved it. Despite some changes from the actual story, it retains the mood, flavor and essential moments of its original source. And of course it was a joy to see "Mrs Dilber" (Kathleen Harrison) and "Jacob Marley" (Michael Hordern) from "A Christmas Carol" as well!

[@2Sugarbears]

I saw this film on tv when I was a child. It stuck with me all these years. You will be what you are ment to be, no matter what. That's what I took from this story.

[@astroroadshow]

I saw this back in 1980. It taught me a massive lesson. I have been teaching Astro-physics for over 25yrs and have no qualifications, few complaints so far... sshhh.

[@abhijoymitra3107]

Many times I read the story , never got bored. Love the story from young age.

[@EternalCause]

Damn I'd be the verger at St. Peter's Neville Square It really hit me 😂😂😂

[@nischalthapa5528]

Thank you,,, tomorrow is my exam 😆❤❤...

[@sumitkansare3869]

Same bro

[@growngamer56]

Same

[@pinkypunky2643]

This was used as an episode of Tales of the Unexpected in the 1990s called The Verger with Richard Briers in the title role.

[@chauffeurdrivenbimbo5850]

Wow! I found this after watching the Tales of the Unexpected episode The Verger. The episode was based on this story. Not quite the same, but pretty near. I'm glad I saw this, too. Thanks

[@linked29]

Hello B F! I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your experience with me. I was pleasantly surprised to read that you discovered this story after watching the "The Verger" episode from Tales of the Unexpected. I can only imagine how exciting it must have been to find out that the episode was based on this very story. It's always great to see people discovering and enjoying literature, and I'm happy to hear that you found the story to be similar to the episode and enjoyed it as well. I hope this experience will inspire you to explore more stories in the future. If you ever have any questions or would like further recommendations, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm always happy to help! Best regards,

[@jill56297]

One of my favourite W S M's short story..T

[@SameerKhan-io4dz]

Damn! The last line!!!

[@kindnessfirst9670]

Being severely dyslexic I can't help but identify with this story's character. If I could read better (or have been diagnosed before I was age 50) I might never have become an artist and gone to the college I did. I would never have met my wife of 32 years and had our two wonderful daughters.

[@alg11297]

This is a real brit movie. Most of the time it's hard to understand them but the higher educated folks are clear as Shakespeare.

[@oldones59]

How clear was Shakespeare?

[@alg11297]

@@oldones59 I'm an American. When people speak English like an actor it's always clear.

[@2msvalkyrie529]

The irreplaceable Michael Hordern . Playing a nasty type for once . ! He had a brilliant short cameo with Richard Burton in The Spy Who Came in From The Cold .

[@trudyfox938]

What a charming fellow he is.

[@adilishere6162]

Wow thanks a lot for this video ❣️

[@johngreen3543]

This video is part of the movie "Trio". Also has Maugham comments on his work. Great short S tory. Its on youtube. check it out.

[@akshaygupta3077]

It's great video ❤️❤️

[@mrsdewdrop9678]

One of my favorites from this trilogy. So glad I found it on its own here. I tried to purchase. However it is not available US players. Thus, Im ever so happy I found it here. Such a happy, simple story. Thank you 😊

[@linked29]

Thank you for your kind words, Mrs. DewDrop. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed this particular story from the trilogy and that you were able to find it here despite it not being available for US players. It's always great to discover a new favorite story, and I'm glad this one resonated with you. I appreciate your feedback and hope you continue to enjoy reading or watching more stories in the future. All the best!

[@thestorymonk-6197]

Lovely

[@lucindawilson5510]

thanks

[@drizzle8482]

The superiority of intelligence given by God over culture !!!

[@wangmenghang]

Larry Crown was a variation on this but he decided to take community college when he was fired.

[@shaileshprasad7317]

This has inspired me a lot. I am also thinking of starting my own business.

[@KEQTAY]

did you start your business yet?

[@shaileshprasad7317]

@@KEQTAY, yes and it's going well.

[@rabindraghosh4111]

One of the finest stories of Somerset Maugham very finely turned inti a movie. But if I remember correctly the Verger on his dismissal opened a flower shop and more successively as he had a hobby of gardening.

[@rumabegum1407]

How was the appearance of the new vicar?.....sir plz ans this 🙏

[@susangreen18]

This was nice. I prefer the written story though

[@NEHA20022]

FROM GNSS LIKE HERE

[@timothycrombie3730]

" ... and without wishing to praise myself, I think I may say I've done my duty in that state of life in which it has pleased a merciful providence to place me." This guy's illiterate?

[@deanrichardkhamani1210]

Thanks so funny...

[@sabimary8860]

This story translate in Tamil la pls

[@hanzogaming6888]

If u read the chapter verger in class 12 it little disappointment because the story in class 12 book skip most of the part of the story. Eventhough I like this story