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Storyline
An arrogant and unorthodox teacher returns as principal to the idyllic high school from which he had earlier been fired to find it a den of drug abuse, gang violence, and urban despair. Eventually his successful but unorthodox methods lead to a clash with city officials that threatens to undo all his efforts. Based on a true story. Written by
Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Taglines:
Eastside High was out of control...until Joe Clark took it back.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
In real life, there was never any threat of a state takeover of Eastside High.
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Goofs
The practice exam booklet reads "New Jersey Minimun Basic Skills Tests"...probably the last place the school board (or the film's producers) would want a spelling error.
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Quotes
Joe Clark:
[
to the Eastside students who have gathered outside City Hall to demonstrate on his behalf]
Wow... Somebody tell me why I can't get this kind of turnout for study hall!
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Soundtracks
"EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY"
Performed by RIFF, Teen Dream and
Taja Sevelle
Produced by Bennett
Courtesy of Paisley Park and Warner Bros. Records Inc.
Written by Winston Bailey
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Freeman is perfectly cast as Joe Clark, a newly appointed principal at a deteriorating, gang-ridden school who gets through to his students with a tough, opinionated, no-nonsense approach to the pursuit of academic excellence. The odds are stacked against him as the education board threatens to shut down Eastside High School, but with his burning desire, devoted staff and administration, and some bright students who actually want to succeed, he rallies them for what will be the final chance for the school to remain open. Based on a true story the premise is familiar and the script has its ups and downs, but it's meaningful and acted with strength and conviction, especially Freeman who is nothing short of superb. ***