1 I love this film
I purchased the VHS version from Amazon a few years back and watched this film again today. Here are my directions for viewing this film:
1. Suspend your disbelief
2. Check your cynicism at the door
3. Watch this in a place where you can clearly hear the dialogue.
I know the complaints such as it's from a different era, it's corny, it's old, it's unrealistic. Well yeah, it's from another era, one where we were all less jaded and perhaps more naive or idealistic. But this film is a gem. I especially love Sidney Poitier and Judy Geeson, but the entire cast is great, I love the Mindbenders and Lulu, and I especially love the dialogue. It's thoughtful, intelligent, plain wonderful. This movie is one more reason I like to consider my culture as English not American. It is a joy, and a great time capsule of London during the Swinging Sixties. Buy it, you'll love it.
2 A DVD Warning
I can not add more substance to the quality of the movie that has already been stated in other reviews.
The one thing that I will mention is a significant detail about the problem of the DVD pressing. It is a double sided disc that offers the full-frame version on one side and the widescreen version on the other. It is the WIDESCREEN side that has the 'Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla.' on it instead of the widescreen version of 'To Sir With Love'. Chances are, that unless Sony had this title repressed, all DVD's of this title currently for sale will have this problem.
I have been in contact with Sony's customer service, but have not arrived at any solution at the time of writing this review.
It's a great movie, I just wish I could see the whole (widescreen) version.
3 Ultra-stylish...still
This movie is about many things - teen angst, race relations, and poverty. But what it's *really* about is teased hair, heavy eyeliner and miniskirts. And the title song, of course. Who could ever forget the gushing sentimentality of Lulu warbling about crayons and perfume? It is a charmer of a movie with life breathed into it by a fresh cast of young Brits. Released at a time when the world was captivated by all things British, it was relatively daring at the time it was made. A low-budget film that raked it in at the box office, Poitier, as in *Lilies of the Field*, wisely accepted a low salary in exchange for a share of the profits. But the biggest profit of all is his portrayal of the East End school teacher, Mark Thackery, who quickly learns that his students need a different kind of education than that of a textbook. It has been, unfairly or not, relentlessly compared to *The Blackboard Jungle*, and it is a blood-relation to *Up the Down Staircase* and *Dangerous Minds*. But none of them have the sweetness of Judy Geeson, as Thackery's irrepressible student Pamela Dare. At the end of the movie, when Thackery and Dare dance together, racial, social and philosophical barriers are smashed, and hope springs eternal.
4 Strange Occurance on the DVD
This has always been one of my all-time favorite movies! I could watch it anytime! Sidney Potier has also been one of my all-time favorite actors!! I think he's brilliant. I think every scene in this movie is great, but my favorite is where Judy Geeson's character dances with Sir. That's a great song in that scene!
My copy of this DVD also had the Japanese film on the 2nd side. How disappointing!!! I don't know how most people are about letterbox format, but I like it. I was looking forward to seeing this film in that format, but I couldn't. I returned the disc. I'm really hoping to find a correctly pressed copy of this disc.
5 Great Movie - Problem with the DVD
This is a fine classic movie: others have reviewed it more expertly than I could, so I will confine my remarks to the DVD I received through my Amazon order.
I did not view it for about two months after receiving it. When I did watch it, I found that Side A, the full screen version, played fine. Side B, which promised a widescreen version, instead contained an entirely different movie: a dubbed version of a Japanese film 'Godzilla vs. Space Godzilla.' I am completely at a loss.
So, buy the DVD, but check out Side B.
6 Inarguably Essential.
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen, and now that it's pure 60's nostalgia, a must-own in every form. I must confess that I've played my VHS tape so many times that I'm surprised it hasn't broken yet! Sidney Poitier has never disappointed me in any of his roles--not even when the film itself wasn't up to his dignified standards. This is among the finest of his roles, along with Lilies of the Valley and A Patch of Blue.
The movie is based on E.R. Braithwaite's bestselling novel about his experiences back in the forties as a black teacher with impressive engineering credentials having no choice but to take a job in England teaching rough, young British teenagers. The movie updated his story to the swinging 60's and changed his character's name to Thackery, but I'm not one to complain as I find the movie to be more my cup of tea than Braithwaite's book. It still captures the essence of his story, and that's the most important thing.
It is both inspiring and a revelation to watch a man go from being as frustrated as the other teachers before him to being the one who discovers that (note a slight parallel to Mr. Holland's Opus) maybe he's found his true calling after all. What's really impressive, as the kids also observed, is that he never swears at them or lowers himself to their immature standards where others might.
The cast that surrounds Mr. Poitier is perfectly suitable, and the conflictual situations are beautifully handled as much as the sweet and touching moments when it's easy to see that he's really making an impact in these kids who simply just need a combination of firmness and respect. Most notable among the students is Judy Geeson who plays Pamela Dare, at first one of the worst brats in the class who later blossoms into a respectable young woman, thanks to her crush on Sir and her willingness to be open-minded.
Christian Roberts reminds me of a young John Lennon as the most rebellious leader of the kids. It's he, Pamela Dare, and Barbara Peg (played effectively by singer Lulu) that heavily determine the kids' willingness to accept Sir, but ultimately it's Mark Thackery himself who influences them the most.
If you really love 60's films that are the complete embodiment of their time after the Beatles became a household word, I can't think of a better film. The look, the feel, the sounds are all there, and this movie is a great nominee for time capsule content as a very good representation of 60's pop culture. It also contains one of the best soundtracks from that time, featuring the Mindbenders and Lulu. One thing is for sure; you can never get the movie out of your head whenever you hear Lulu singing the title song on the oldies station. Excellence defined.
7 Heartwarming Film
Poitier is a stunning actor.
This is a heartwarming film. This is a good feel-good movie for anyone who may be feeling down!
Jeffrey C. McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"
8 A BEAUTIFUL FILM
"To Sir With Love" was a beautiful story about a black teacher, Sidney Poitier, who overcomes racial barriers to teach West London toughs and toughettes the meaning of life. It was, literally, banned in Alabama, which was ruled entirely by...the Democrat party. In 1967, Poitier again stirred the red-necks with "In the Heat of the Night", where he plays Virgil Tibbs, a competent Philadelphia cop stuck overnight in a Mississippi town. It must be 110 degrees at night. The white boys sweat like stuck pigs while Virgil is as cool as a cucumber in a Savoy Row suit. The sheriff, Rod Steiger, is discomfited by circumstances in which Tibbs is "lent" to him to solve a murder that happens to occur when he is there. In working together, layer after layer of characterization is stripped away in marvelous fashion, through the skill of director Norman Jewison (who tells everybody he is not a Jew, he is Methodist), until understanding between the two men become a metaphor for the healing of a divided America. Very good stuff.
STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM
9 To Mr. Heath McEwan, with disgust
I just wanted to say i read your review and was alright with it until i read your sentence which read along the lines of "some viewers believe that the teacher should have lost his cool just once for it to be a believable movie." If you had actually watched the film, you would have discovered in the first hour that he does, in fact, lose his cool 'just once' and calls the girls in his class some rude names. Please do not comment on films you do not care to watch the entire length through. Thank you.
10 To Sir, With Love, VHS tape
The tape came quickly and was very accurately described. It was in excellent condition. Thanks.
11 An engineer, a teacher, a parent
Prejudice, a word Mark Thackery, played by Sydney Poitier, a remarkable actor, know so well in this 1967 inspiring movie. The way the script was written, the actors acted and the director, bestow the title of a classic upon this masterpiece of drama. This movie brought the reality of a classroom to the big screens and now to DVD and VHS. "To Sir, With Love", starring Judy Geeson and of course Sydney, can touch the hearts of any person, no matter the age. Mark Thackery (Sydney Poitier) taught me that a person, no matter how bad they seem, can and will change, with no doubts this has truly touched my heart.
12 An engineer, a teacher, a parent
Prejudice, a word Mark Thackery, played by Sydney Poitier, a remarkable actor, know so well in this 1967 inspiring movie. The way the script was written, the actors acted and the director, bestow the title of a classic upon this masterpiece of drama. This movie brought the reality of a classroom to the big screens and now to DVD and VHS. "To Sir, With Love", starring Judy Geeson and of course Sydney, can touch the hearts of any person, no matter the age. Mark Thackery (Sydney Poitier) taught me that a person, no matter how bad they seem, can and will change, with no doubts this has truly touched my heart.
13 To Sir With Love Is Wonderful
This is an inspiring movie. When we treat each other with respect and dignity wonderful things are accomplished.
14 One of Poitier's best
Sidney Poitier has the role of a new teacher in one of Britain's secondary schools. He is given a class of students who, with maybe one or two exceptions, have reached the end of the academic road and will be leaving school at the end of term. They have no academic future and their future outside of school is not to promising. Bike messengers and shop assistants if they're lucky is what awaits these 15 year olds. (Leaving age in the mid-60s was 15.) The kids can care less about school and are just watching the days roll down until they don't have to attend anymore.
Poitier's charecter quickly realizes that the best thing he can do is get these kids ready for the real world. He junks the syllabus and creates his own plan for these people to meet life with something like survival skills. Instead of maths, science and english, he teaches the world of cooking, politeness and proper grooming. These latter skills will help these kids far more than being able to diagram a sentence.
I first saw this film when it first came out. I think I had a better appreication of it, as an American, becuase I had jsut returned from living in the UK and attending a secondary school, which while not like North Quay, did introduce me to some of the characters portrayed. Guys I knew were facing school leaving with prospects of working as a green grocer's assistant or a boy soldier or seaman in the Forces. So on an intellectual level, I certainly understood what Poitier's character faced. These weren't juvenile delinquents but a real segment of British society that probably still exists today.
This film has just as much validity today as it did when it was first released. The cast is excellent from Poitier down to the kid with no lines but filling a desk. I found this to be a fine film at the time I first saw it and today when I saw it again after a period of several years between viewings. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys British films.
15 I love this movie!!!
If you can watch the ending of this movie without (even fleetingly) wanting to become a teacher than you're the first person I know to do so!!! This beautiful, understated movie is one of Sydney Poitier's best. And the ending is wonderful. To Sir With Love is the last word on all "teaching" movies.
16 "To Sir With Love" Just One of Many Superb Sidney Films!
Once again, Sidney Poitier transcends racial stereotypes, and provides us an important lesson in life. This time, he emerges as simply a good man who earns the love and respect of his students. 1967 was a memorable year for Poitier who starred in three, countem' three, box office hits. Perhaps the most penetrating line ever uttered in Poitier's distinguished career was in the same year: "They call me Mr. Tibbs!", he said, with a flare that is still haunting. "To Sir With Love" provides this truly sophisticated actor a much different setting to showcase his wisdom. Here, Poitier displays his natual gift for teaching as he politely but firmly tames a classroom full of London's most obnoxious bongholes. The situation intensifies when the quietly determined, novice school teacher insists that the potential hoodlums (who he is trying to rescue from the difficulties of being teenagers) change their self destructive behavior. Things get worse before they get better, and a powerful drama (and some fine acting) unfolds in the process. Audiences in 1967 gasped when Poitier showed up with his fiance at the dinner table of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Likewise, "To Sir With Love" audiences exhaled a collective sigh of relief when Poitier put aside his romantic interest in a favorite fair skinned pupil. Many of today's audiences are not enthusiastic about inter-racial dating and marriages either, but content of character (in such awkward situations) is certainly more of an overall consideration. Poitier's influence on American culture and its expanded capacity for tolerance cannot be underestimated. His presence on the big screen was the first time many people had experienced an Afro American who so modestly but effectively demanded treatment with dignity. Poitier has excellent command of the English language, and speaks his mind freely and fluently. It's a far cry from the typically demeaning and distasteful screen images of today, especially those with predominantly black casts. Afro Americans are often portrayed as deceitful, immoral, foul mouthed hoodlums who practically deserve whatever punk fate they get. If this trend is to be reversed, the very actors whose livlihoods are at stake must refuse to represent the Afro American community in this manner. Speaking the English language intelligently and tossing the expletive rap are big first steps!
17 A long-time favorite...
I recently read Mr. Poitier's book, "The Measure of a Man," and I happened to remember that I hadn't seen "To Sir, With Love" in ages. So, I purchased a copy, and watched it again. It has lost none of its magic. I grew up during those times (though in the USA) and I remember how hard it was to be a teenager then. The film was really influential, because of what "Sir" taught his students--that anything was possible if they set their minds to it. These students had the choice to stay the way they were, or to try and improve themselves. "Sir" gave them the tools, and they used them. It was a struggle, for both the students and "Sir" alike, but, in the end, each ended up respecting the other. A wonderful film, and not to be missed!
18 This movie is wonderful!
The first time that I saw "To Sir With Love", the video did not give a very clear picture and I could not understand what the characters were saying. I realized that this was a cool movie the second time that I saw it. Poitier gives an impeccable performance. I totally rooted for Mr Thackery when he saw what was burning in the classroom! Ou could see the anger in his eyes.
19 Excellent departure point
What can one say, except that To sir with love proves that Sidney Poitier's status as an actor is versatile and contemporary. Unlike his other successful films, the topic/subject in question relating to this film is not to do with race.
In my mind, I can quite see this as a sequel to the Blackboard Jungle. Where in this case, Sidney takes on the role of teacher in charge of what seem to be juvenile delinquents, yet there is more than meets the eye.
It is an excellent opportunity to see Sidney Poitier in a film centred around life in 60's London, and being aquainted with local customs. An excellent soundtrack accompanies the film.
20 Excellent departure point!
What can be considered as a departure from his previous films, when the topic of this movie is not to do with race. A trually realistic approach to the social problems in school, and only proves that Sidney Poitier's ability as an actor is all but unbeatable. A wonderful soundtrack to accompany the film, and definitely one of Sidney's best.
An excellent chance to see Sidney in a british movie, and being aquainted with the local customs/cultures.
21 timeless qualities
This is one of my top 5 favorite movies. I first saw it as a teenager in the '70's and have watched it many times since; it's that good. The racists and unruly kids of today (and I've seen plenty!) can learn a few things from this film. Many touching moments - a memorable one being when all of the kids show up with a wreath for the black students' mothers' funeral, after Judy Geeson expresses doubt about a white girl taking it alone. And that song by Lulu! Great acting by the adults and children alike. Keep an eye out for Patricia Routledge many years before she played Hyacinth Bucket on Keeping Up Appearances!
22 Just plain good
Excellent movie, story, and acting. This is one of the few movies that I can truly say I've never forgotten. My wife still can't believe I love "Sir" and everytime it comes on TV, I'll stop to watch. I don't buy many videos, but this is one of the few I did buy.
23 Flawlessly wonderful
This is my all-time favorite movie. The story is of a Black engineer, born in British Guyana and educated in California, who takes a job teaching at a high school in a depressed area of London. He has no teaching experience, and so develops his teaching style from his own experience. Gradually the relationship between the teacher (Poitier) and his students evolves from suspicion, to respect, to love. There is the obligatory romantic attraction between Poitier and one of his students, Judy Geeson. (Geeson, who plays this part with endearing and convincing sweetness, grew up to become the supercilious and insufferable across-the-hall neighbor from Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt in the TV sitcom "Mad About You").
Everything is perfect in this movie. If you can watch the very last scene without tears, then you are stronger than I. In retrospect, I think this movie was one of the influences which caused me to become a teacher, 17 years after I first saw it. I hope it has done the same for some others, and that it will continue to do so in the future. See it!
24 Great.
Great story. Great acting. Great 60s mood. Great DVD. Great movie. This is simply a must for all Sidney Poitier fans, and it's also worth mentioning cuties Judy Geeson and Suzy Kendall. -I'm a big fan of both of these two lovely actresses, and to have them in the same film is perfect. Too bad Kendall's part is so small, she really should've been seen more. Also look out for a young Patricia Routledge and newcomer Michael Des Barres. The sequel to this film is very different yet it's very much the same story, but it doesn't reach the original.
25 A Timeless Classic
"To Sir With Love" is a powerful and deeply affecting film. The story involves a young black professional (Sidney Poitier) who seeks work as a teacher in a low-income urban school in London in the `60's. He is at once conflicted with his personal desire for a more financially rewarding position in the professions and his frustration with his inability to "reach" his undisciplined and unmotivated students. He loses his temper one day as the result of a particularly disreputable act and challenges each student to respect themselves if they are ever to seek the respect of others. The understanding and chemistry that subsequently evolves between teacher and student is both poignant and unforgettable. The music, featuring the title song by Lulu, eloquently captures the tone and tenor of the story.
The message in this film resonates today with the disrespect, dysfunction, and violence in many of our public schools. There is a timeless quality in the commanding but subtle plea for tolerance, respect, and personal accountability. The emotions and images the film evokes provide a rare but treasured moment of humanitarian artistry.
26 Honestly, one of my favorite movies.
I was never a fan of Sidney Poitier. Actually, I am still not. However, this movie has definitely opened my eyes to the wonderful world of teaching. I sat down and watched it one day, for lack of something better to do. When the last credits rolled, I rewound it and watched it again. I must say, this movie is excellent. The picture it presents of British teens is incredible. It's very universal, I know people that are Denim and Pamela, Potts and the rest of them. I highly recommend anyone to watch this movie, especially teens that are having trouble fitting in. This is a movie made for misfits.
27 AWESOME DVD QUALITY!
In my opinion "To Sir With Love" is arguably one of Sidney Poiter's best films and a shining example of what makes him such a fine actor. The story line with this film is so incredibly touching and yet true of life itself that it makes other wannabes like "Dangerous Minds" look cheap in comparison. The DVD version here is absolutely a must have for any serious movie collector. The sound is clear and crisp and picture quality just outstanding! I'd give it 6 stars if only Amazon would let me.
28 A CLASSIC FOR THE AGES!
This is one of the most inspiring movies ever made. It is a movie that not only inspires but it also teaches qualities of character that are sorely missing in today's society.Sidney Poitier is brilliant as the teacher who turns around a bunch of unmotivated and undisciplined school kids.This is the kind of movie the whole family will enjoy.I highly recommend it for parents to watch and learn with their children.
29 Touching
As a student myself, I know that the behavior of the kids in this movie is completely realistic. This movie is thoughtfull and intelligent, but is still enjoyable to watch. I agree with one of the other reviewers - I had tears in my eyes as Lulu sang the last song. A great movie.
30 SIDNEY'S FINEST PERFORMANCE
This is easily my favorite film of all time. Of course I'm very biased. Great story and excellent performances by all. I've collected all of his films and this is,arguably,the best of his performances. I Would say that his performance in IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT or THE DEFIANT ONES would rate second.
31 Incredible
One of my all time favorites. This movie is a must see. One of the better, if not the best works of the 1960s.
32 Spiritual and moving
To Sir... I can still see the bill board advertising this movie when it was released in 66/67. I was too young then to attend, but as I have grown up it has become one of my top 5 favorites. I teach young children, and the impact this teacher had on these young people is the essence of teaching. With Love....
33 Those School-Girl days..............
This movie was a powerful portrayal of a teacher who truly loves the profession. The students that "Sir" had to teach were quite difficult to reach and unruly. But Sir was determined to touch thier lives and he did! They in turn touched his life. I was truly inspired by this movie, considering that I too am a teacher! An excellent moive.
34 AWESOME
I was totally shocked to see this movie at your website, I've been in video stores for over a couple years now looking for this film. You guys are GREAT!!!
35 Powerful.
Another strong performance by one of my all time favorite actors.Had the pleasure of viewing this fine movie at the close but never forgotten Uptown Theatre in Philly.
36 I love this movie...
A friend introduced me to it many years ago. I never thanked him, but I watch this movie often. A very touching movie in many ways. An excellent example of Mr Poitier's (sp?) skills. Highly recommended!
37 sidney poitier is excellent
an excellent performance by sidney poitier who takes up the roll of mr.braithwaite , a courageous nergro scool teacher caught in the tweezer grip of prejudice in london ,and who narrates his story brilliantly,...if you were a negro you would find merely existing would provide you with more excitement than you would ever care for... he further writes ....had you been pimp pansy or moron it would not have mattered if you had been saved from the greatest sin of all, the sin of being born black.... that was england shortly after the great world war 2, after demobilisation from the RAF the glorious undying few .
a true story ofcorse. capt yeshwanth raj at chennai , india email:yeshwant@md3.vsnl.net.in
38 One for the kids.
A 60's piece that is great even for young kids today to watch. DOn't know how anyone can not have a tightness in the throat when Lulu sings at the end.
