I am thrilled to be back in the swing of things just in time for At the Movies. We just got our power back this evening, and I must say, this week of being home without it (and water) really had me appreciating the value of entertainment. While we still have no TV or internet (I am writing late at night with a slow wifi connection) I am eagerly awaiting its return so I can include some movie watching over the weekend.
This week we continue to celebrate a back to school theme with a slightly different twist. There’s been so much buzz about our upcoming BlogTour trip to London for design week, I seem to have Britain on the brain. So of course this week’s feature comes to us from across the pond. This back to school flick is a flashback favorite. 1967 was a big year for Sidney Poitier. He starred in In the Heat of the Night, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and this film, To Sir, With Love.
He is really marvelous as an engineer who, desperate for employment, takes a job teaching in a rough section of West End London. After a rough start, Poitier’s character, Mark Thackery, realizes that trying to teach his young group of rebellious ruffians straight academics was a losing proposition. Instead, he decides to give them more practical life lessons.
Although a little predictable, it is hard to resist Poitier in this winning role. As he overcomes the roadblocks of resistance and rancor of both the students and fellow teachers, he gradually wins their trust and affection. The obligatory romantic element is handled well with and excellent Judy Geeson as Thackery’s adoring pupil.
And of course one of the highlights is the iconic 60s pop song sung by cast member Lulu. So as the younger set is getting in gear for a new academic year, you can take a vicarious trip to the happenings in this hip classroom.
This is a true classic in every sense of the word.
We watched it earlier in the year with our children and it was amazing how they reacted to it.
The them song is iconic and as Captain V is a teacher it has extra poignancy in our family.
Happy weekend Lovely!
xx Felicity
another great reminder!
I’ve never seen this (or even heard of it!) and I do so love the classics. The kids are away all weekend with their father. I will have plenty of time on my hands and a good movie will keep me company for part of it!
Sidney Poitier has such a great acting style and if you check out his filmography you can find so many great films he has made. They seem like films with care, kindness and a sense of humanity. I loved his film and it so influenced me at the time. I need to watch it again…
I hope this encourages those who are not familiar with his work to take a look back and see why he has always been celebrated. A real gentle man.
Great movie, and I love that a young Hyacinth Bucket (Patricia Routledge) makes an appearance.
You picked a personal favorite, when originally seeing it I just thought Sidney Poitier was the bee’s knees (and still do) and I continue to play the soundtrack as well!
Sending you a smile & hopes the long weekend proves restful,
tp
So glad to see your lights coming back on. It must have been a tough week. You deserve an A+ for posting in spite of all the setbacks. Lucky us. Another classic for the Netflix queue!
Hope you enjoy the weekend!
Isn’t power a great thing!?:) Time for me to revisit this classic…happy long weekend!
Hope you get internet back soon! We really are accustomed to our modern conveniences and I couldn’t imagine a few days without water and internet!
Thanks for the reminder about classic Sidney Poitier films. We need to rent more movies!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
Love this film and the song is great. How exciting about your blog trip to London. What a time you had with the hurricane/tropical storm. So glad you are getting back to normal!
Oh Q!!!!!!! Only in NY – true story. About 2 years ago on a great fall afternoon, was watching To Sir With Love, and called best friend to say “will be 20 minutes late, want to finish watching the movie.” Movie done, crossed Central Park, stopped in Barneys 2 seconds to see something from the window, had a 5 minute chat with Sydney Poitier – his friend laughed and said “So you’re the one who is paying for our lunch today on royalties from the AMC channel”, and then proceeded to show up 10 minutes later than expected at brunch. Was about to get rebuked, and explained the additional lateness, and everyone laughed. When we asked for the check, the waiter came and handed me a note that said “Thank you for our lunch – please enjoy your lunch on me – best, Sydney Poitier” – he had followed me 1 block to the restaurant. Only in NY!!!
What a great story – you’re right – only in New York!!!
So glad you’ve got your power back.
A true classic.
A true gentleman.
Does it get any
better than that?
Thanks for the
reminder!
xx Suzanne
I am so sorry to hear that you were without power for so long! And water too! How did you all manage without showers? Well I’m glad things are getting back to normal for you. To Sir With Love is nostalgic in so many ways–I love this film–the music, Mr. Poitier, such a great classic!
xo Mary Jo
good to hear you’re getting back into things
after your episode with your nasty guest Irene..
what a fabulous movie..great one to feature for your
Friday movie posts..
best,
maureen
Sooo sorry that you had to deal with Irene. I have been wondering about you and just apologize that I didn’t E-mail. Glad you are back. I love this movie. Have a great holiday weekend. Mona
Haven’t seen this flick in ages. Happy to hear you have power and water back on! Enjoy the holiday weekend!
xo Cathy
i know how you feel since we’ve had to go through that here in florida… hope your weekend is better and have a lot of fun!!!
The husband was so happy to have TV again he watched six hours of movies….a little much but fun. Glad to hear you have electricity and running water back. Enjoy your long holiday weekend with amenities….lol.
SO, so glad things are looking up for you. I want you to know how much I appreciate the thought you put into these posts. You are remarkable.
I’ve never seen this movie…and it’s probably about time I do, thanks for the reminder!
xo J~
I cry every time. Love this film. What a difference a great teacher can make!
I have the title song by LuLu on my Ipod and on CD. I often sing it at the top of my lungs while driving :).