Blackboard Jungle

Blackboard Jungle (1955) starring Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, Vic Morrow, Louis Calhern, Sidney Poitier. Juvenile delinquency is the theme of this movie, and Ford plays an idealistic teacher who believes that if he can just find the right formula, he can get through to these kids. This was the first film to use rock 'n' roll, as Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" plays over the opening and ending credits. The school seems kind of weird. The students are all male, and it is never explained why there are no girls going to this high school (although some of the teachers and staff are women). Altogether, it's a pretty strong movie, fairly believable and with impact. Poitier shines as one of the delinquents. (Subtitles in English are available for the hearing-impaired, as well as closed captions.) Grade: B