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Lean on Me (1989) 7.4
The dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark is appointed the principal of a decaying inner-city school that he is determined to improve. Director:John G. AvildsenWriter:Michael Schiffer |
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Title: Lean on Me (1989)
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3 wins & 4 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Morgan Freeman | ... | ||
| Beverly Todd | ... | ||
| Robert Guillaume | ... | ||
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Alan North | ... | |
| Lynne Thigpen | ... | ||
| Robin Bartlett | ... | ||
| Michael Beach | ... | ||
| Ethan Phillips | ... | ||
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Sandra Reaves-Phillips | ... | |
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Sloane Shelton | ... | |
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Jermaine 'Huggy' Hopkins | ... | |
| Karen Malina White | ... |
Kaneesha Carter
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| Karina Arroyave | ... |
Maria
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| Ivonne Coll | ... |
Mrs. Santos
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| Regina Taylor | ... |
Mrs. Carter
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
An arrogant and unorthodox teacher returns as principal to the idyllic high school from which he had earlier been fired to find it a den of drug abuse, gang violence, and urban despair. Eventually his successful but unorthodox methods lead to a clash with city officials that threatens to undo all his efforts. Based on a true story. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>
Taglines:
A true story about a real hero. See more »Genres:
DramaParents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
3 March 1989 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Apóyate en mi See more »Box Office
Gross:
$31,906,454 (USA)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Performed by Thelma Houston and The Winans
Produced by Richard Perry
Courtesy of Qwest Records
Written by Bill Withers
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Several homages to the Sesame Workshop are referenced in the film - when Clark was seen as a history teacher in the 1967 scene he sported an Afro (similar to the character Easy Reader on The Electric Company where Morgan Freeman was part of the cast) and when he arrives at Eastside High on the first day on the job he wears a business suit similar to the one he had during The Electric Company's opening credits. Dr. Napier said to Clark in one scene that he is a Big Bird with Radar which was a double entendre (either as an airplane or the famous Sesame Street character with his pet teddy bear). Also, Lynne Thigpen would later join the cast of the PBS series Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? as the Chief. See more »Goofs
When the superintendent is discussing who to hire as the principal with the Mayor, the Mayor asks "What was last year's score?". The Superintendent answers "38%". Later, when Joe leaves the stage after expelling the bad students, there is a chart that shows that last year's score was 30%. See more »Soundtracks
LEAN ON MEPerformed by Thelma Houston and The Winans
Produced by Richard Perry
Courtesy of Qwest Records
Written by Bill Withers
See more »
Freeman is perfectly cast as "Crazy" Joe Clark, a radical, newly appointed principal at a deteriorating, gang-ridden school who gets through to his students with a tough, opinionated, no-nonsense approach to the pursuit of academic excellence. The odds are stacked against him as the education board threatens to shut down Eastside High School, but with his burning desire, devoted staff and administration, and some bright students who actually want to succeed, he rallies them for what will be the final chance for the school to remain open. Based on a true story the premise is familiar and the script has its ups and downs, but it's meaningful and acted with strength and conviction, especially Freeman who is nothing short of superb. ***