Still, there are things to recommend this movie. A 28-year-old Sidney Poitier is quite good, and this is the screen debut of Vic Morrow AND Jamie Farr (21 years old and listed in the credits as Jameel Farrah). I showed this to a group of ninth-graders several years ago so we could talk about attitudes about teenagers today, and how they haven't really changed in fifty years. I think it's one of those movies a movie-lover should see, but it's not especially good.

"Sanctimonious." - Jeremiah Kipp

Great film.

It blows the mind how little has changed in 50 years.

Though by now the concept of "teacher inspires inner city delinquents" is kind of worn out, I still really liked this one. It's got some good, interesting characterizations, and Ford, Calhern, and Poitier are all great. Even if some of the culture is dated, the actors are supported by a pretty sharp script, and it doesn't feel campy. It's still a pretty relevant movie, and it does a better job than a lot of the more recent films that've tried the same thing.

It's a classic.

Everything that "Rebel Without a Cause" wants to be, most notably this is actually entertaining. If you're looking for a teenage rebellion type film, skip James Dean or "Breakfast Club," this is where it is at.

Highly engaging drama with a lot of future stars in the cast. Not terribly believable, but fast-paced and acted with conviction. Brazenly ripped off by Mark L. Lester's _Class of 1984_, and y'all know how imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Even better if you've already seen _To Sir With Love_

A bit dated, but a lot of it is still relevant. Teenagers are always little delinquent assholes, and always will be. Even though it's the same kind of hackneyed "bold teacher makes connection with difficult kids" nonsense that gets done way too often, there are a few nice surprises. None of the performances are noteworthy, but Poitier is pretty good (better than a lot of his later work, actually).