Blackboard Jungle (1955)

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A tribute to the 1955 Richard Brooks film, set to Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock" which was the first rock 'n roll song to be featured in film. Glenn Ford plays Richard Dadier, an idealistic English teacher who finds it extremely difficult to deal with his unruly students. His pregnant wife (Anne Francis) becomes the target of anonymous harassment which puts her and her unborn child in jeopardy, and Dadier finds himself becoming increasingly isolated and powerless, until he finally takes a stand against the adolescents who have pushed him to the edge. Brooks was visiting Ford in his home when he discovered Glenn's ten-year-old son Peter listening to the Bill Haley record and it was decided for it to be the theme for the movie. The student cast roster includes Sidney Poitier, future director Paul Mazursky, and future "M*A*S*H" star Jamie Farr (billed under his real name, Jameel Farah). But watch Vic Morrow (the future star of "Combat", who was tragically killed, along with two Vietnamese children, while filming a scene from "Twilight Zone: The Movie") as hoodlum Artie West. Notice the strong resemblance that Jennifer Jason Leigh bears to her father. Talent really does run in the family!

Hope you all enjoy it, and I wish you all Happy Holidays!