Blackboard Jungle (film)
"Blackboard Jungle" is a 1955 film that centers on Richard Dadier, an idealistic first-year English teacher navigating the challenges of teaching in a rough, underfunded vocational high school. Portrayed by Glenn Ford, Dadier contends with a variety of obstacles, including unmotivated students, a dilapidated school environment, and unsupportive colleagues. The film captures the struggle for connection between educators and their students, highlighting moments of rebellion and youthful alienation. The climax features a confrontation with a violent student, played by Vic Morrow, but ultimately resolves positively with the assistance of a charismatic African American student, portrayed by Sidney Poitier. Notably, the film opens with the iconic song "Rock Around the Clock," which contributes to its impactful portrayal of school life and resonates with themes of social unrest. "Blackboard Jungle" is recognized for its gritty realism and its ability to challenge societal norms, making it a significant cultural artifact from its era. Its exploration of race, authority, and educational challenges remains relevant in discussions about the educational system today.
On this Page
Blackboard Jungle (film)
Identification Film about the threat of gang disorder in inner-city American high schools
Date Released in 1955
Director Richard Brooks
Blackboard Jungle was a controversial movie that capitalized on the fascination of the public with juvenile delinquency, troubled schools, and the rise of rock-and-roll music.
Key Figures
Richard Brooks (1912-1992), film director
The plot of Blackboard Jungle follows the struggles of idealistic, first-year English teacher, Richard Dadier (played by Glenn Ford), in a rough, underfunded vocational high school. Among the obstacles Dadier faces are unmotivated and disruptive students; a run-down, noisy school building; bitter, cynical colleagues; and the temptations offered by a lonely and seductive fellow teacher. The students fight every effort he makes to connect with them until he screens a cartoon to win over hearts and minds. A violent, last-ditch effort by an unredeemable, racist thug (Vic Morrow) to take back control of his peers forces a confrontation, which Dadier wins with the help of a charismatic, African American student (Sidney Poitier). The upbeat ending does not completely relieve the mood of youthful alienation and rebellion that pervades the film.
Impact
With its “Rock Around the Clock” opening song, a strong cast of veteran and upcoming actors, and gritty script and direction, Blackboard Jungle shook complacent suburbanites with its harsh look at the lives of students and teachers in an embattled urban vocational school.
Bibliography
Considine, David M. The Cinema of Adolescence. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, 1985. Thematically arranged study with extensive discussion of the film.
Doherty, Thomas. Teenagers and Teenpics: The Juvenilization of American Movies During the 1950’s. Rev. ed. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2002. Accessible and thorough look at teenagers and films during the 1950’s.