Fighting the Odds: The Marilyn Gambrell Story (TV 2005)

Based on a true story, former parole officer Marilyn Gambrell and a colleague set up a pioneer trial-based program in one of America's toughest high schools to help the children of ... See full summary »

Director:

Andy Wolk

Writers:

Andy Wolk, Peter Wolk

Stars:

Jami Gertz, Ernie Hudson, Eugene Clark

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jami Gertz	...	Marilyn Gambrell
Ernie Hudson	...	Perry Beasley
Eugene Clark	...	Reginald Spivey
Sicily Johnson	...	Lisa Jones (as Sicily Sewell)
Stacy Meadows	...	Cody (as Stacy Meadows Jr.)
Trent Cameron	...	Jamal
Edwin Hodge	...	Darnell
Zak Santiago	...	Ed Rivera
Regine Nehy	...	Valerie
Michasha Armstrong	...	Frank, Jamal's Stepfather
James Baker	...	Cop
Ron Carothers	...	Jamal's Father (as Ronald Carothers)
Kaya Coleman	...	Little Kid
Jorge Vargas	...	Miguel (as Jorgito Vargas Jr.)
Pamela Crawford	...	Grandmother

Storyline

Based on a true story, former parole officer Marilyn Gambrell and a colleague set up a pioneer trial-based program in one of America's toughest high schools to help the children of incarcerated parents regain control of their own lives and not expect the same thing to happen as it did to their parents. To the surprise of everyone, the program works, but the administration warns the duo that it will not last unless every senior student is able to pass his or her final exams and graduate with the class. As the end of the school year approaches, Gertz faces a crisis to save everything she believes in or lose it all.

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Plot Keywords:

parole officer | children | high school | challenge | child abuse | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 August 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

No More Victims

Filming Locations:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Nomadic Pictures, Once Upon a Time Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Marilyn Gambrell: They have the power to persevere, and so do you!

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Soundtracks

"Soar"
Performed by Christina Aguilera
Written by Christina Aguilera, Rob Hoffman and Heather Holley
Courtesy of RCA

User Reviews

I watched this movie and I can relate..

Although you can tell that the movie, made for TV, was not a blockbuster, it drives home a very key issue experienced in our society today. I personally have never gone through some of the experiences of the children portrayed in the movie but I'm close to people who have. I felt the sincerity, pain, frustration, agony and the need to survive in every minute watched. You can tell that what actually took place at M. B. Smiley High School was a lot more than what TV could provide. It was definitely enough to get the message across though. I recommend this movie for all students of inner cities. I think it should be a requirement. Excellent and two thumbs up!