MovieChat Forums > To Sir, with Love (1967) Discussion > Comment on the film

Comment on the film

posted 11 years ago by Steve-684
2 replies | jump to latest

Just saw the film this week. A few things:

Another thread discussed how the movie didn't live up to the hype. I actually enjoyed the film, but I do see the validity of that impression from one point of view: it seems as if the characterizations could have been more developed. This was a different time for filmmaking, so it was sort of par for the course, but I remember thinking I wish I knew more about the kids and Mr. Thackeray.

Someone mentioned the museum trip and how it was depicted. When I came upon this part, I thought it was the end of the film. I remember thinking: this is a pretty short movie. But I have to assume this was for budgetary reasons. It actually worked for me...I liked the visual shorthand.

The boxing scene confused me. I know nothing about boxing, so let me ask: why were the kids so impressed with Mr. Thackeray's performance as a boxing partner given, as far as I can tell, he administered an illegal blow? Or, am I wrong about that, was it okay as far as boxing rules are concerned to hit someone in the abdomen?

Finally, can we honestly say Mr. Thackeray succeeded with the kids? He may have taught them practical things about life, but he didn't seem able to enrich either their knowledge base or their desire to learn as far as academics are concerned. Am I off on this?

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

... it seems as if the characterizations could have been more developed. ... but I remember thinking I wish I knew more about the kids and Mr. Thackeray.

We learn a lot about Thackeray and quite a number of the students throughout the course of the film. I'm not quite sure how much more you'd want to know.

But I have to assume this was for budgetary reasons. It actually worked for me...I liked the visual shorthand.

My understanding is that the museum would only let the producers shoot stills, no movie footage. So they decided to just use a photo montage of the "trip".

... why were the kids so impressed with Mr. Thackeray's performance as a boxing partner ...

As Denham tells him later, they were impressed because he didn't go on with it and beat the crap out of him, as might occur out on the streets. In other words, he acted as a responsible adult.

Finally, can we honestly say Mr. Thackeray succeeded with the kids?

Judged by the film and the stated objective of acquiring better life skills ... yes. But remember, this is an entertainment. Secondary teachers such as Thackeray, are rarely generalist in the teaching work they perform, as we see in this film. That is the domain of primary teachers. High school teachers are far more likely to specialise in 1 or 2 subjects. But movie - makers of course, need to fashion a narrative, that tries to look as realistic as possible.🐭

[–] liscarkat (18410) 3 years ago

In boxing it is common, and within the rules, to punch your opponent in the gut.