To Sir, With Love (1967)
(James Clavell, UK 1967, 105 min., DCP)
Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier), an engineer by trade, has been turned down by firms all over Great Britain. He takes a job as a teacher at the North Quay Secondary School in London’s tough East End, until a position becomes available. Warned about the behavior of the students, Thackeray retains his calm demeanor and attempts to set his own ground rules by treating the students as adults and demanding mutual respect. This divisive approach wins some of the students over as he learns more about their families and situations, but tensions rise when he defuses a conflict between a student and another teacher. British pop star Lulu sings the enduring title song and has a small role in the film.