Friday, September 16, 2016

BLACKBOARD JUNGLE 1954 (TCM VIEWING)

The all time classic JD film.

Glenn Ford stars as a new teacher in a violent NY school who fights both the administration and the students and fellow teachers.

His character wants to get thru to the students and he is met with hostility from all points. His name is Richard Dadier but the students disrespect him by call him "Daddy-O". His wife is several months pregnant and Anne Francis does her usual good job in the role of Ford's wife.

Some of the actors look too old to be plating high school students, but don't let that deter you from seeing this. Sidney Poitier is excellent as Miller and Vic Morrow steals the show as the very troubled Artie.

The film slowly builds to a climax involving Dadier and Artie in the classroom. The climax to the film was cut out completely when the film was run in Britain, which is ridiculous but it is a fact.

The supporting cast is top notch and includes John Hoyt, Emile Meyer, Jamie Farr, Rafael Campos, Richard Kiley, and Margaret Hayes as a very sexy teacher who is assaulted by a student.

Lastly, let's remember the theme music to this film. "Rock Around The Clock" became a huge smash after it was used in this film. One of the best songs ever recorded, it kicked off the ro and roll era in 1955.

This is an all round great film and I can recommend it highly. If you haven't seen it you should.

No comments:

Post a Comment