Up the Down Staircase

New York's Calvin Coolidge High begins the new school year. With no chalk. No books. Too many students. Over clanging bells, the P.A. booms, "Please disregard all bells." It might say, "Please disregard all learning." Academy Award -winner Sandy Dennis* stars as an idealistic new teacher in this straight-A movie from Bel Kaufman's beloved best seller. To Kill a Mockingbird producer Alan J. Pakula and director Robert Mulligan memorably bring it to the screen. Eileen Heckart, Ruth White and Jean Stapleton play school staffers. And fresh-faced newcomers from inner-city classrooms portray the students. The result ranks among Stand and Deliver and Lean on Me as one of the best-ever films about the triumph of teaching and learning.

• drama