Classics: A Review of To Sir, With Love By Lauren Ennis

 On January 6, 2022, cinema lost one of its brightest stars with the death of Sidney Poitier. Over the course of his more than fifty year career Poitier starred in an array of iconic films that broke new ground on and off camera. In honor of his life and legacy I'll be turning this week's spotlight onto one of his most beloved films To Sir, With Love. Chronicling the trials and triumphs of a teacher's first year in an inner city school, this 1967 film became an instant classic and set the stage for decades of inspirational teacher movies to come. Viewers will be hard pressed not to fall in love with To Sir, With Love.

Inspiring audiences since 1967

The story begins with engineer and newly arrived immigrant Mark Thakery searching for a job in London. After failing to secure an engineering position he takes a job teaching at an East End high school. He soon learns why the school was willing to hire him without teaching experience when he witnesses the desperate state that the school is in. He is particularly dismayed by his disruptive students, (most of whom have been rejected by other schools) who have earned notoriety after driving their last teacher to resign. Over time, however, he is able to earn their respect and admiration as he abandons the curriculum and sets about preparing them for life after graduation. 

While the film covers territory familiar to anyone who's ever seen an inspirational teacher movie To Sir, With Love was one of the first, and arguably remains one of the best, films in the genre. Through its depiction of Mark's personal and professional struggles the film portrays him as a three dimensional person viewers can relate to, and is all the more effective for it. Similarly, the film aptly humanizes Mark's unruly students by portraying their various problems with empathy without making excuses for their behavior. The film also approaches the tense race relations of 1960's London with a complexity and nuance that are too often sorely lacking in many modern efforts. The film's greatest success, however, is the way in which it shows education as a two-way street as Mark and his students ultimately learn from one another. At once a compelling coming of age story and a portrait of the trials and tribulations of an educator To Sir, With Love is a film that has something for everyone to love.

How do you thank someone who's taken you from crayons to perfume?

The film is brilliantly brought to life thanks to the work of its cast. Suzy Kendall infuses her performance as Mark's colleague, Gillian, with warmth and charm. Dervis Ward personifies the worst in education as the school's cruel gym teacher, Mr. Bell. Christian Roberts exudes adolescent angst as class tough Denham. Pop singer Lulu proves herself to be a talented actress in her infectiously sassy turn as Babs. Judy Geeson steals each scene in which she appears as neglected and lovesick Pamela. Even in the midst of an engaging supporting cast the film belongs to Poitier. In his hands Mark is more than just another inspirational teacher but instead a model of integrity and dignity in the face of adversity.

Over fifty years after its release fans continue to show love for To Sir, With Love. Through its charming script and engaging performances the film highlights issues that continue to plague the education system while setting the standard for modern teacher movies. Through its depiction of the adversity that both Mark and his students face the film offers valid lessons in integrity, resilience, and perseverance that will resonate with viewers of any generation. Experience the quintessential inspirational teacher movie and the ultimate Sidney Poitier film by pulling up a desk with To Sir, With Love. 

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