Sidney Poitier stars as Mark Thackeray, an immigrant to Britain from British Guiana who accepts a teaching position at North Quay Secondary School in the tough East End of London. Without any prior teaching experience, this job is challenging. But in the East End, it presents a steep learning curve. His students misbehave, vandalize school property, and engage in unsanitary pranks. Thackeray must prove he’s not intimidated and not giving up all while maintaining his cool.  In a film which proved a role reversal from his performance in Blackboard Jungle (1955), Poitier is masterful in this British drama that tackles juvenile delinquency and class conflict. The film also features Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Suzy Kendall and singer Lulu making her film debut.

–Professor Mia Mask

Before the screening, join us for a film introduction by Professor Mia Mask.