To Sir, with Love
1967 color 105mm. Not rated
Director: James Clavell
Cast: Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts, Suzy Kendall, Lulu, Faith Brook,Geoffrey Bayldon, Patricia Routledge, Adrienne Posta, Michael Des Barres

A black high school teacher faces an apathetic East London class and inspires them to rise to their best. Rough, tough - and loving.

fyi: Based on a novel by E.R. Braithwaite. Contains the hit title song, sung by Lulu.

..........Talking It Over
Do you have any questions or comments about this movie?
Did you enjoy the movie? What good things does it show us?
What are some of the problems facing Mark Thackeray when he first encounters his class?
Do you feel sorry for him? Do you feel sorry for the kids?
How would you describe your own experiences with school?

What does Mr. Thackeray do to try to help the kids? Is this a good plan?
What would you have done? What do you think the kids needed?
In the end, what does the teacher give his pupils? What do they give him?
Does it make a difference in this movie that Mr. Thackeray is black?

In what ways is this a movie about 'survival'? Whose survival?

What are some of the important things you've learned from school?
What things have you learned from 'the school of life'?
Who've been your teachers? Who's been your most memorable teacher?
What makes a person a good teacher? Was Mark Thackeray a good teacher?

Could the story in this movie have happened today?
What do you feel is the role of today's schools?
What are the strengths of today's schools? The weaknesses?
Are students different today than in the past? Are teachers?
Suggest one major change you'd make to the educational system.

...........Digging into Ideas
Mr. Thackeray tells his class, "It is your duty to change the world, if you can."
What do you think he means by this? Do you agree?
Can each of us change the world? If so, how?

How would you answer these questions:
- "Why should we call the girls 'Miss'?"
- "What is 'marriage'?"
- "Have you ever been broke...real broke?"
- "Are you going to use a weapon every time somebody makes you angry?"

How is this movie similar to other movies you've seen about school? How
is it different? What's the best 'school' movie you've ever seen?

..........Digging into Feelings
Referring to the students, Mr. Weston says, "What they need is a bloody good hiding."
What do you think he means? Would you agree with him?
Do you think today's schools are too easy on kids?
Are today's parents too easy on kids?

What pressures are there on the average child today?
What good might result from these pressures? What harm could be done?

Lulu sings," What can I give you in return?"
How can we pay our teachers back for the love they've shown us?

..........Doing Something New
Describe an important 'teacher' in your life. How has he or she influenced you?

Create a report card for yourself, giving yourself grades for your most consistent and noticeable traits, (e.g. Punctuality: B; Trustworthiness: A-;Good looks: A; Sense of humor: A+; etc.)

Plan a field trip that would be both fun and educational. Draw a picture showing you and your friends on that trip.

Like what you see? Then time to get REELTALK 1 and REELTALK 2 playing on your team! Get some popcorn, turn the lights down low, pop in a REELTALK movie, and turn on the good times. Share in the richness a good movie provides...with Jivin' Johnny's REELTALK 1 and REELTALK 2.

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