The Ron Clark Story (2006) (TV)

Director:

Randa Haines

Writers (WGA):

Annie DeYoung (written by) &
Max Enscoe (written by)

Release Date:

13 August 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Tagline:

No one believed in them. Except him.

Plot:

A small-town teacher (Perry) relocates to one of the toughest classrooms in the country.

Plot Keywords:

Audition | Artist | Waiter | Tutoring | Principal

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 3 wins & 12 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sat. May 17

12:00 PM

TNT

Cast

Matthew Perry	...	Ron Clark
Judith Buchan	...	Snowden School Principal
Griffin Cork	...	Hadley
Jerry Callaghan	...	Ron Clark Sr.
James Dugan	...	Mr. Lively
Patricia Benedict	...	Jean Clark
C.J. Jackman-Zigante	...	Y'landa
Pete Seadon	...	Harried Principal
Melissa De Sousa	...	Marissa Vega
Aaron Grain	...	Jason
Brandon Smith	...	Tayshawn (as Brandon Mychal Smith)
Gerrick Winston	...	Mr. Solis
Ernie Hudson	...	Principal Turner
Jacey Mah	...	Ms Hill (as Jacey Ma)
Marty Ronaghan	...	Jackie Vasquez

Also Known As:

The Triumph (Australia) (Philippines: English title)

Runtime:

90 min

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Singapore:PG | USA:TV-PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Company:

Alberta Film Development Program of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, The

Trivia:

President Arthur's name was misspelled as "Chester Alan Arther" on the board listing the names of the Presidents.

Goofs:

Continuity: The position of Ron's umbrella while talking to Marissa outside the state building.

Quotes:

Ron Clark: Hey Mr. Turner, this is fun!
Principal Turner: You really think it appropriate to do this with the students?
Ron Clark: Well, I'm certainly not gonna Double Dutch with you.

Movie Connections:

References "According to Jim" (2001)

Sweet.

I've been a fan of Mattew Perrys ever since Friends first aired on TV, and I make it a point to try and see any movie he makes. However, it's sometimes a bit...what's the word...sad (I guess) to see him play "Chandler" over and over again. As much as I like that character, it would be fun to see him play something else. That's that.

As for The Ron Clarke Story, with Perry as Ron Clarke, there are certain Chandler-qualities about Clarke. But more in terms of body-language than anything else - and I guess that would be Perry himself "shining through". For the most part it's a standalone part for Perry, a good long step away from "Chandler Bing". It's a really sweet story about a substitute teacher who goes through hell and back for his students (consisting of worst-case-scenario kids). It's an inspiring story, and you really wish it would always be that "easy" to get kids out of trouble and onto the right path.

Perry is good, he almost always is, and the kids are actually believable. True, sometimes you wish Clarke would just give the snotnose kids a "feel of the back of his hand" - but I guess that would be the easiest (and most faulty) way to go.

The Ron Clarke Story is a feelgood-film, and it does just that. It makes you feel good.

In addition: Any film that makes schoolteaching look like fun deserves a whole heap of credit.