Next up on Denzel Washington's filmography is 1986's TV movie The George McKenna Story or Hard Lessons as it was later known in some territories on dvd.
In his first leading role, Denzel stars in the true story of a Los Angeles teacher, 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.
There were a lot of school reform movies in the 80's and 90's and they all follow the same basic plot. So there's not much as far as surprises,
that doesn't mean they can not be enjoyable. I found a lot to like in this, it is well told and is a solid watch.
If you do watch this, you need to bare in mind it's a TV movie, so there is no bad language and the violence is tame.
One of the usual problems with these type of movies is the actors playing High School students are about 30!! This is no exception, Terrance Ellis who plays Norris really stands out as being way too old!! One quick IMDB check reveals he is only 3 years younger than Denzel Washington.
It is pretty well acted throughout. Lynn Whitfield, Richard Masur and Virginia Capers all stand out. Anyone who bothers to watch it, may spot Israel Juarbe (Freddy from Karate Kid) as Miguel.
Its synth score is awful, though.
This another movie that was released on dvd years later?with a cover displaying Denzel Washington holding a gun, despite his character never firing one in the movie.
The full movie is on YouTube.
