To Sir with Love

Directed by: James Clavell
Screenplay by: James Clavell
Based on: To Sir, With Love 1959 novel, by E. R. Braithwaite
Produced By: James Clavell
Starring: Sidney Poitier, Lulu, Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts, Suzy Kendall, Patricia Routledge, Chris Chittell,
Faith Brook, Geoffrey Bayldon, Amm Bell, Michelle Des Barres, Marianne Stone, Sally James,
Music by: Ron Grainer
Production Company: Columbia British Productions
Release date: 14 June 1967 (US), 29 October 1967 (UK)

Plot: Mark Thackeray, an immigrant to Britain from British Guiana, has been unable to obtain an engineering position despite an 18-month job search. In the meantime, he accepts a teaching post for Class 12 at North Quay Secondary School in the tough East End of London, as an interim position, despite having no teaching experience.

The pupils of Class 12 have been rejected from other schools, and Thackeray is a replacement for the deceased former teacher. The pupils, led by Bert Denham and Pamela Dare (who later develops a strong crush on Thackeray), behave badly: their antics range from vandalism to distasteful pranks. Thackeray retains a calm demeanour, but loses his temper when he discovers something being burned in the classroom stove, which turns out to be a girl's sanitary towel. He orders the boys out of the classroom, then reprimands all the girls, either for being responsible or passively observing, for what he says is their "slutty behaviour". Thackeray is angry with himself for allowing his pupils to incense him. Changing his approach, he informs the class that they will no longer study from textbooks. Until the end of term, when they are due to leave school, he will treat them as adults and expects them to behave as such. He declares that they will address him as 'Sir' or 'Mr. Thackeray'; the girls will be addressed as 'Miss' and boys by their surnames. They are also allowed to discuss any issue they wish. He gradually wins over the class, except for Denham who continually baits him.

Review: The 1960's were a transitional period for America. Many old and out dated social mores were still being upheld in many areas through the United States. One such taboo was the mixed race relationship between whites and Blacks. In many areas, such as entertainment, black performers were not allowed to stand close to white performers And body contact or signs of affection were enough to cause complaints from viewers. So when Sidney Poitier was portrayed in an English classroom teaching white anglo saxon students there was a low but audible murmur of complaint. The fact that it was portrayed in another country did seem to distract viewers and nullify any stronger protests.

Sidney Poitier' character is waiting for a prestigious job. He is at loose ends and finds himself in need of some money so he accepts the offer to teach a group of difficult students. With his high ideals and self confidence he set forth on what he must have thought would be an easy task. Challenged from the start he has to adapt and find a way of making education relevant to the students while keeping both parents and the school board off his back. What develops is a growing understanding of what his real strengths are. As well as an appreciation for what is most needed by the students. This film has perhaps aged somewhat with time. But it still has a social message to express.