The George McKenna Story

Name: The George McKenna Story
Genre: Drama
Released: 2008-03-29T07:51:29-07:00

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TOMATOMETER

Total Count: N/A

51%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 401

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
In Theaters:

Nov 11, 1986 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Apr 26, 2002
Runtime:

95 minutes
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) | Rotten (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

Pablo Villaça
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

Christopher Null
Filmcritic.com