The George McKenna Story (1986)

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Movie Info

This made-for-TV drama was based on the true story of George McKenna (played by Denzel Washington in one of his first leading roles), an educator in Los Angeles who faced the greatest challenge of his career when he was named Principal of George Washington Memorial High School. Located in a run-down inner-city neighborhood, Washington High was being torn apart by gang violence and drug dealing, and much of the student body seemed more interested in surviving the day than in learning. McKenna was determined to make Washington High a safe place where students could get a quality education which would allow them to go to college if they so desired, but he soon realized he was facing an uphill battle, having to deal not only with gangs and delinquent students, but apathetic teachers and parents too busy or unconcerned to help in the education of their kids. The George McKenna Story also stars Lynn Whitfield, Debra Artis, and Richard Masur; after Denzel Washington's later rise to superstar status, the film was rereleased on home video under the title Hard Lessons.
  • Rating:
    G
  • Genre:
    Drama
  • Directed By:
    Eric Laneuville
  • Written By:
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    CBS

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Cast

Denzel Washington
as George McKenna
Akosua Busia
Lynn Whitfield
as Bobbie Maxwell
Virginia Capers
Richard Masur
as Ben Proctor
Michael Matthew
Earl Billings
as Mr. Rogers
James Bowman
Billy Green
Irma P. Hall
Bill Henderson
Brent Jennings
as Mr. Jackson
Israel Juarbe
Fannie Belle Lebby
Michael Matthews
as E.J.
Gary Moody
as Delroy
Jim Ponds
J.A. Preston
Ken Sagoes
as Mark Rogers
Elaine Taylor
Barbara Townsend
Royce Wallace
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Critic Reviews for The George McKenna Story

All Critics (2)

Em seu último papel numa produção feita para a televisão, Washington demonstra carisma e intensidade, mas a montagem amadora, a trilha insuportável e o roteiro repleto de clichês anulam seus esforços.

Jul 15, 2006 | Rating: 2/5
Cinema em Cena

Stand and Deliver still stands (no pun intended) as the only worthwhile entry into this genre, sad to say.

May 6, 2002 | Rating: 2/5
Filmcritic.com
View All Critic Reviews (2)

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