Made in the 50's, it's a disturbing prediction of what schools could become. Unfortunately schools have become even worse. This movie obviously influenced others to follow : The Principal (1987), Stand and Deliver (1988), Lean on Me (1989). Vic Morrow's acting is great in this movie, a must see. Sidney Poitier does a good job, but really has a minor role. Glenn Ford is inspirational as he portrays a teacher who loves his job but feels like he's powerless, and at the same time, keeps trying. Jamie Farr (as Jameel Farah) playing Santini is unrecognizable as the person who would later play Klinger on "M*A*S*H" (1972) (TV).
The school system is shown in a truthful light, some teachers have given up, why teach if the students don't care and don't think they need to go. It's disturbing that teaching has become an effort in memorization. It trains children to remember facts and figures, recite things that they've been taught, without solving problems and thinking for themselves. It leads children into following rules and behaving properly. It gets them ready for and accept entering the workforce. It doesn't encourage teachers to achieve more, it rewards teachers whose students have memorized the most information, and punishes those who inspire and encourage free thought.
7 ½ out of 10
www.imdb.com
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