CLASS OF 1984 at HOLLYWOOD TEEN MOVIES

1982's "Class Of 1984" or as I would describe it "Death Wish In A High School", was made 2 years ahead of its time and is possibly the most violent classroom film ever made. This gripping teen thriller is a brutal portrayal of a vicious gang of juvenile delinquents who will stop at nothing short of murder in their savage victimization of their music teacher Andy Norris, played effectively by Perry King ("The Lord's Of Flatbush"). The schoolyard cronies are led by the crazy Peter Stegman (Timothy Van Patten) and will do anything and everything to protect their turf and their drug dealing business. Look out for veteran actor Roddy McDowell as an alcoholic teacher and a very young Michael J. Fox as a victim of the school bullies. "Class Of 1984" director Mark L. Lester, famous for action flicks such as "Commando" & "Showdown In Little Tokyo" later went on to make "Class Of 1999" (1990), a sci-fi sequel with a new look and a completely different cast. "Class Of 1984" has developed a cult status but unfortunately the film is difficult to get your hands on.

Blackboard Jungle(1955) VHS
Richard Brooks' gritty look at life inside the inner-city high school stars Glenn Ford as the earnest teacher determined to reach his hood students. Great support from Sidney Poitier, Anne Francis, Vic Morrow, Louis Calhern; soundtrack includes historic film debut of "Rock Around the Clock." 110 min.
To Sir, With Love(1967) VHS
Sentimental heart-tugger stars Sidney Poitier as a first-year teacher at a rundown East End London high school who bucks the traditional educational system, allowing his unruly students to learn through experience and acquire a sense of responsibility. Co-stars Judy Geeson, Christian Roberts and Lulu (who sings the title tune); written, produced and directed by novelist James Clavell ("Shogun"). 105 min.
Tuff Turf(1985) VHS
Life's not easy when you're the new kid in town, especially when the high school is ruled by a sadistic gang and you make a play for the gang leader's girl! Violent, fast-paced action film stars James Spader, Kim Richards, Robert Downey, Jr. and Matt Clark. 111 min.
Tuff Turf [DVD](1985) DVD
Teachers(1984) VHS
Nick Nolte is a weary high school instructor trying to make sense of an educational system gone haywire in this seriocomic look at a modern "blackboard jungle." The great cast includes JoBeth Williams, Richard Mulligan, Ralph Macchio, Judd Hirsch, and early roles for Laura Dern and Morgan Freeman. 106 min.
The Principal(1987) VHS
A "bottom of the barrel" inner city high school has finally met its match when Jim Belushi is assigned as the new principal. With the help of security guard Louis Gossett, Jr. and a Louisville Slugger in hand, he tries to run the drug dealers out of the halls. Also stars Rae Dawn Chong, Esai Morales. 112 min.
The Principal [DVD](1987) DVD
Dangerous Minds(1995) VHS
A compelling true story starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Louanne Johnson, a hard-nosed ex-Marine who takes a job teaching English to smart but underachieving kids in an inner-city school. Pfeiffer draws on her background to educate the kids on topics ranging from martial arts to the poetry of Dylan Thomas while battling gang members and a strict principal. With George Dzundza. 99 min.
Dangerous Minds [DVD](1995) DVD
The Substitute(1996) VHS
Mercenary Tom Berenger decides to take matters into his own hands when his teacher girlfriend is brutally assaulted by a thug tied to her school's toughest gang. He poses as a substitute teacher and, in between history classes, uses his soldier-of-fortune skills to try to stop the gang and their drug-dealing activities. Smashing action yarn also stars Ernie Hudson, Diane Venora. 114 min.
The Substitute 2: School's Out(1998) VHS
Treat Williams stars in this action-packed sequel as a New York cop who goes undercover as a high school teacher in order to bring the gang members who murdered his brother to justice. With B.D. Wong, Michael Michele and Guru. 90 min.
The Substitute 3: Winner Takes All(1999) VHS
When a war buddy's college professor daughter is savagely attacked by some drug-dealing football team members, it's up to the Substitute (Treat Williams) to enter the halls of ivy and, with a team of mercenaries, clean up the campus his own way. Claudia Christian, Rebecca Staab, James Black also star. 90 min.
The Substitute (1996)/ The Substitute 3 [DVD](1999) DVD
The Substitute 2: School's Out [DVD](1998) DVD
The Substitute: Failure Is Not An Option [DVD](2000) DVD
A prestigious military school becomes a recruitment base for a white supremacist organization, and it's up to undercover policeman Treat Williams to join the faculty and bust up the neo-Nazis' operations. Fourth action-packed "Substitute" tale also stars Angie Everhart, Bill Nunn, Patrick Kilpatrick. 91 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital Surround; photo gallery; audio commentary; "making of" featurette; deleted scenes; scene access.