The Teacher

Who could be against the message of this story? Fighting against bigoted and dangerously intolerant readings of history, indeed. But, despite the unconventional and well-acted character of the namesake heroin, interestingly shown as neither pretty nor exceedingly sympathetic, the illustration of those well-meaning ideas does not add much to them, in either thrills or original hindsights, and the final climax is not much of one.

While eavesdropping, Paladin decides to defend embattled town teacher (Seldes). She's offended some folks by teaching history as it is and not as they would like it to be. Now they want to run her out of town, and Paladin needs help from the uncommitted town folk. But, like Gary Cooper in High Noon (1952), will he get it.

Episode benefits greatly from the uncompromising presence of that fine actress Marian Seldes. Her teacher is neither pretty, nor particularly likable—a noticeable departure from the usual. She is, however, an admirable pillar of intellectual honesty, thus commanding the appreciative Paladin's respect.

Several points in passing. Notice how the screenplay attempts to balance any possible insult to the Confederate south with the gallantry of the ex-Confederate Weaver family. TV scripts were especially sensitive to such offending possibilities since the sponsor's product is linked to the story.

The believability of the climax is unfortunately undercut by actor Bensen's noticeable lack of meanness or spirit. After all, his Jackson Breck is supposed to be an intimidating figure, but instead comes across as much too bland to either heighten suspense or be convincing.

Also, Paladin makes a strong point by equating truths of history (Quantrill's raiders) with truths of mathematics (2+2=4). But the analogy should not be pressed. After all, the truths of math are much less subject to revision than are the "truths" of history, which is one reason the former is counted as a science, while the latter is not.

Winston Churchill once said something to the effect that Truth, in times of War, is so precious she must be surrounded by a Bodyguard of Lies. There are others who would undoubtedly insist she be wrapped in a Cloak of Invisibilty as well!

Schoolteacher Mollie Stanton (Marian Seldes) believes that once Peace is restored it is time to dismantle the Bodyguard and pull away the Cloak -- regardless of who might be 'offended' by what is revealed. And some of the local residents are mightily offended by her History Curriculum, which mentions depredations committed by regular (and irregular) troops on both sides of the Civil War.

There are strong performances from Jack Albertson as a vacillating shopkeeper reluctant to incur the ire of those determined to keep children studying the recent War from learning about the ruthlessness of the guerrilla raiders it spawned. And from Andrew Duggan, positively shining as a raider victim and Confederate war veteran, reluctant to mount a crusade against the 'Proto-Revisionists' who want the school burned down and Miss Stanton driven out of town. But the real scene stealer is ultimately the shopkeeper's daughter, who demonstrates a courage beyond her tender years.

Great footage here of Paladin interacting with schoolchildren. And also getting whipped to within an inch of his life. But in the words (this time of George Washington), "Truth will ultimately prevail where pains are taken to bring it to light". Having witnessed first hand the reactions to the "My Lai Massacre" photos published by Life Magazine on Dec. 5, 1969, I remain deeply impressed by this episode.