Dead Poets Society (1989)

Maverick teacher John Keating uses poetry to embolden his boarding school students to new heights of self-expression.

Director:

Peter Weir

Writer:

Tom Schulman

Stars:

Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke

Top Rated Movies #216 | Won 1 Oscar. Another 19 wins & 18 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robin Williams	...	John Keating
Robert Sean Leonard	...	Neil Perry
Ethan Hawke	...	Todd Anderson
Josh Charles	...	Knox Overstreet
Gale Hansen	...	Charlie Dalton
Dylan Kussman	...	Richard Cameron
Allelon Ruggiero	...	Steven Meeks
James Waterston	...	Gerard Pitts
Norman Lloyd	...	Mr. Nolan
Kurtwood Smith	...	Mr. Perry
Carla Belver	...	Mrs. Perry
Leon Pownall	...	McAllister
George Martin	...	Dr. Hager
Joe Aufiery	...	Chemistry Teacher
Matt Carey	...	Hopkins

Storyline

Painfully shy Todd Anderson has been sent to the school where his popular older brother was valedictorian. His roommate, Neil Perry, although exceedingly bright and popular, is very much under the thumb of his overbearing father. The two, along with their other friends, meet Professor Keating, their new English teacher, who tells them of the Dead Poets Society, and encourages them to go against the status quo. Each does so in his own way, and is changed for life.

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Plot Keywords:

english teacher | professor | education | suicide | poet | 

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Taglines:

He was their inspiration. He made their lives extraordinary.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the shooting, Weir requested the young cast not to use modern slang, even off camera.

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Goofs

When Todd receives the desk set for his birthday, and Neil and Todd go to throw it off the bridge, the desk set is clearly covered in plastic shrink wrap. However, when it is thrown, papers and pens still go flying everywhere.

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Quotes

Dr. Hagar: That wouldn't be a radio in your lap, would it, Mr. Pitts?
Gerard Pitts: No, sir, science experiment... Radar!

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Alternate Versions

TV version shown on USA Network (and released on laserdisc) includes 14 minutes of extra footage not included in the original theatrical release.

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Connections

Remade as Life Is Beautiful (2000)

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Soundtracks

Ridgeway Fight Song
Written by Jerry Rehberg

User Reviews

A terrific film

There's so much good about this movie. The first time I saw it I watched it solely for plot and I loved it. Now I've seen it again and watched Peter Weir's filming and timing which is also great. Robin Williams is a terrific actor when he's serious. He proved it in Good Will Hunting but he proved it first here. If you liked that movie and your liking it had something to do with Williams than you will like this one. The plot is about a number of students who are taught by Williams about life. They are taught how to enjoy themselves. This ends up causing great controversy among the heads of the school. The students are terrific and even the dialogue is great. This is a movie that I can't imagine anyone not liking. It is good in every way.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

9 June 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dead Poets Society

Filming Locations:

Everett Theatre - 47 West Main Street, Middletown, Delaware, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$16,400,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$340,456, 4 June 1989

Gross USA:

$95,860,116

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$235,860,116

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners IV, A Steven Haft Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min 140 min (laserdisc)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby Stereo (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1