Teachers
Arthur Hiller directed this satiric look at contemporary urban high schools, examining disillusioned teachers who try to regain their idealism. Nick Nolte stars as Alex, a teacher at John Fitzgerald Kennedy High School, who was once an idealistic teacher but whose main concern now is sobering up before the next class session. The high school is headed by ineffective principal Mr. Horn (William Schallert) and an imperious vice-principal named Roger (Judd Hirsch). When a recent graduate of the high school sues the school because it graduated him illiterate, Alex finds himself in conflict with the hard-nosed school superintendent Dr. Burke (Lee Grant). The high school heats up even more when Alex falls in love with Lisa (JoBeth Williams), the attractive lawyer who was once one of Alex's honor students.
Member Reviews
A Hilarious/Tragic Look at the World of Teaching - MovieProf
"Teachers" is funny and tragic at the same time. It is an attempt by directer Arthur Hiller to portray the pressures teachers endure at the hands of students, parents, and politicians. It stars several prominent actors from the 1980s: Nick Nolte, JoBeth Williams, Judd Hirsch, and Ralph Macchio.
The plot revolves around a former student, who is never shown, who is suing a particular high school for allowing him to graduate even though he was completely illiterate. Along the way, Nolte, a once-revered teacher who is now a drunk, becomes involved with Williams, the lawyer heading the laysuit. The fact that Williams is a former student of Nolte's adds to the humour of the film.
There is a subplot involving Laura Dern, who plays a 16-year-old student who is having an affair with the school's gym teacher. When she becomes pregnant, Nolte takes her to an abortion clinic.
Clearly "Teachers" shows the ugly side of teaching, but the film aloso delves into the politics of the profession. As a teacher, I have to laugh at the lawsuit: we teachers here in Ontario are "encouraged" to pass students who aren't deserving all the time. I feel like this film is more current in this time and country than it might have been in 1984.
Member Reviews
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A Hilarious/Tragic Look at the World of Teaching - MovieProf
"Teachers" is funny and tragic at the same time. It is an attempt by directer Arthur Hiller to portray the pressures teachers endure at the hands of students, parents, and politicians. It stars several prominent actors from the 1980s: Nick Nolte, JoBeth ...