6.0/10
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The George McKenna Story (1986)

Not Rated | | Biography , Drama | TV Movie 11 November 1986
The George McKenna Story Poster
He risked it all to make the grade.

Director:

Eric Laneuville

Writer:

Charles Eric Johnson

Stars:

Denzel Washington, Lynn Whitfield, Debra Artis | See full cast & crew »
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Cast

Credited cast:
Denzel Washington ... George McKenna
Lynn Whitfield ... Bobbie Maxwell
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Debra Artis Debra Artis ... Wilma
Edna Auguillard Edna Auguillard
Billy Jaye Banner Billy Jaye Banner
Earl Billings ... Mr. Rogers
James Bowman James Bowman
Ray Buktenica ... Alan Keith
Akosua Busia ... Cynthia Byers
Alexander Byrd Alexander Byrd
Virginia Capers ... Margaret Wright
Gregg Dandridge Gregg Dandridge
Kim Davis Kim Davis
Travis Davis ... Howard Smith
Blue Deckert
See full cast »
Edit

Storyline

The true story of a teacher in Los Angeles who becomes the Principal of George Washington Memorial High School. The school and its students are affected by the normal life of gangs and drugs in their lives. McKenna wanted to give the students a real choice at education and all it offered for their future. But he faced teachers used to the reality of their school, parents unable or unwilling to give the kids the support they needed, and kids just wanting to survive the streets never mind learning something. After Denzel Washington (George McKenna) became a superstar, the film was re-released on home video under the title Hard Lessons.

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

1980s | urban setting | teenage girl | teenage boy | teacher student relationship | See All (23) »

Taglines:

He Risked It All To Make The Grade

Genres:

Biography | Drama

Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
Edit

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 November 1986 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Hard Lessons See more »

Filming Locations:

Houston, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Landsburg Company See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »

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User Reviews

 
Loved It!!!!
21 November 2014 | by awynnisthename – See all my reviews

1st time I saw this film was this year, and I was very impressed with Denzel's performance in this tribute. I enjoy watching old movies every now and then, but I wasn't expecting this to be as good as it actually was! Have told a lot of friends about the #YoungDenzel and his performance. "Don't believe me just watch". This tribute to McKenna was written well and the scenes we shot pretty well. Lynn Whitfield did a great job supporting Denzel, but when isn't she great?! Denzel did a great job showing the frustration & passion of a man caring about his school and students. Very Good! Lynn could have def had some more lines in this film, but she did have enough lines to feel the movie from the "supportive wife's" point of view.

As I write this review I'm getting the urge to watch "Devil in a Blue Dress", may just have to do that later!

#awynnisthename
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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