Harry Potter influences and analogues Potter" involve an average eleven-year-old, better at sport than academic study, who is sent to boarding school. Upon arrival, the boy gains a best friend (in Tom's case, East, in Harry's case, Ron Weasley) who helps him adjust to the new environment. They are set upon by an arrogant bully – in Tom Brown's case, Harry Flashman, in Harry's case Draco Malfoy. Stephen Fry, who both narrates the British audio adaptations of the "Harry Potter" novels and has starred in a screen adaptation of "Tom Brown", has commented many times about the similarities between the two books. "Harry Potter –
Tom Brown's Schooldays (2005 film) Schooldays", and "The Hollywood Reporter" said that "this new Tom Brown turns out to be an outstanding family viewing experience". The film was nominated for "Made for TV Movie" in 2005 by RITV. Tom Brown's Schooldays (2005 film) Tom Brown's Schooldays is a 2005 British television film directed by Dave Moore and starring Alex Pettyfer and Stephen Fry. It is an adaptation of the Thomas Hughes novel of the same name. It aired on ITV on 1 January 2005 and was released on DVD 9 days later. Tom Brown (Alex Pettyfer) is energetic, stubborn, kind-hearted, and athletic more than intellectual.