Idealistic engineer-trainee and his experiences in teaching a group of rambunctious white high school students from the slums of London's East End.Idealistic engineer-trainee and his experiences in teaching a group of rambunctious white high school students from the slums of London's East End.Idealistic engineer-trainee and his experiences in teaching a group of rambunctious white high school students from the slums of London's East End.
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
18K
YOUR RATING
- Director
- Writers
- E.R. Braithwaite(novel)
- James Clavell(written for the screen by)
- Stars
Top credits
- Director
- Writers
- E.R. Braithwaite(novel)
- James Clavell(written for the screen by)
- Stars
- Awards
- 1 win & 2 nominations
Videos2
- Director
- Writers
- E.R. Braithwaite(novel)
- James Clavell(written for the screen by)
- All cast & crew
- See more cast details at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe producers sought permission to film in the British Museum for the outing sequence, were denied only a few days prior to filming, although stills photography was permitted. Stills photographers Laurie Ridley and Dennis C. Stone were given a free hand, following the cast throughout the museum, creating the iconic montage sequence for the movie.
- GoofsThe students in the class, most of the teachers at the school, and the vendors at the fruit and vegetable market wear the same clothes throughout the movie.
- Quotes
Mark Thackeray: [entering classroom and seeing smoke] All you boys, out. Girls stay where you are. Out.
[closes door]
Mark Thackeray: I am sick of your foul language, your crude behavior and your sluttish manner. There are certain things a decent woman keeps private, and only a filthy slut would have done this and those who stood by and encouraged her are just as bad. I don't care who's responsible - you're all to blame. Now, I am going to leave this room for five minutes by which time that disgusting object had better be removed and the windows opened to clear away the stench. If you must play these filthy games, do them in your homes, and not in my classroom!
- Crazy creditsLulu received an "introducing" credit.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood U.K.: A Very British Picture (1993)
- SoundtracksTo Sir, With Love
Lyrics by Don Black
Music by Mark London (as Marc London)
Performed by Lulu (uncredited)
Arranged and Conducted by Mike Leander (uncredited)
Top review
Sidney Poitier's Defining Role
Sidney Poitier (as Mark Thackeray) wants to be an engineer, but finds jobs scarce; so, he takes a job teaching a group of unmanageable East End London secondary (high) school students. The inexperienced Mr. Poitier has no control in the classroom. With only a few weeks before graduation, he decides to teach discipline and respect. Poitier's biggest classroom problem is rebellious youth Christian Roberts (as Denham). He also has to deal with pretty blonde Judy Geeson (as Pamela), who develops a "schoolgirl crush" on her handsome black teacher.
Poitier doesn't seem to be doing much academic teaching; but, with only a few weeks to go, he makes some instinctive, wise decisions. As the students' "newest replacement", he must start with extensive classroom management. Mostly, the students like to dance and smoke cigarettes. But, through the young cast's performances, and their scripted background, you believe they are worse than they appear on film. The film is a simplistic representation.
Poitier's dignified characterization is superb. As "Mr. Thackeray", he handles societal racism with quiet reservation. Thackeray does not verbalize any racial "blame" for his 18-month failure to find an engineering job. He grins sweetly when the ladies on the bus hint about his sexual prowess. He does not respond to the cynical teacher's bait. And, he responds with non-sensual sincerity to the film's interested blondes. More than anything, Thackeray values courtesy, which is evidenced by his first "tantrum".
Thatcher is a man of polite manners, who values respect. He demands the students call him "Sir". Poitier's command for respect works not only with the students, but also with the audience. Poitier cuts through the film, and demands the same respect from the audience.
You call him SIR!
So, the "lesson" achieves the unexpected - both Thackeray and Poitier are successful with their audience. The audience responded by making Poitier a "Box Office" superstar. It was the right message, the right time, and the right man.
Director James Clavell and the Lulu-sung title song are also outstanding. Most movie award organizations favored Poitier's two successive 1967 films. But, "To Sir, with Love" did very well with the "Film Daily" critics: "To Sir, with Love" was the year's #4 Film, and #1 song. Poitier was the #3 "Best Actor" (one better than his "In the Heat of the Night" role), Christian Roberts was "Juvenile Actor" #2, and Judy Geeson won as #1 "Juvenile Actress".
********* To Sir, with Love (6/14/67) James Clavell ~ Sidney Poitier, Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Lulu
Poitier doesn't seem to be doing much academic teaching; but, with only a few weeks to go, he makes some instinctive, wise decisions. As the students' "newest replacement", he must start with extensive classroom management. Mostly, the students like to dance and smoke cigarettes. But, through the young cast's performances, and their scripted background, you believe they are worse than they appear on film. The film is a simplistic representation.
Poitier's dignified characterization is superb. As "Mr. Thackeray", he handles societal racism with quiet reservation. Thackeray does not verbalize any racial "blame" for his 18-month failure to find an engineering job. He grins sweetly when the ladies on the bus hint about his sexual prowess. He does not respond to the cynical teacher's bait. And, he responds with non-sensual sincerity to the film's interested blondes. More than anything, Thackeray values courtesy, which is evidenced by his first "tantrum".
Thatcher is a man of polite manners, who values respect. He demands the students call him "Sir". Poitier's command for respect works not only with the students, but also with the audience. Poitier cuts through the film, and demands the same respect from the audience.
You call him SIR!
So, the "lesson" achieves the unexpected - both Thackeray and Poitier are successful with their audience. The audience responded by making Poitier a "Box Office" superstar. It was the right message, the right time, and the right man.
Director James Clavell and the Lulu-sung title song are also outstanding. Most movie award organizations favored Poitier's two successive 1967 films. But, "To Sir, with Love" did very well with the "Film Daily" critics: "To Sir, with Love" was the year's #4 Film, and #1 song. Poitier was the #3 "Best Actor" (one better than his "In the Heat of the Night" role), Christian Roberts was "Juvenile Actor" #2, and Judy Geeson won as #1 "Juvenile Actress".
********* To Sir, with Love (6/14/67) James Clavell ~ Sidney Poitier, Christian Roberts, Judy Geeson, Lulu
helpful•80
- wes-connors
- Aug 15, 2008
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $640,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 45 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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