All language subtitles for Lean.on.Me.1989.WEB-DL.x264-ION10

Captioning made possible by
Warner Bros.

* fair eastside *

* by thy side
we'll stand *

* and always
praise thy name *

* and ever lend our hearts
and hands *

* to help increase thy fame *

* the honor
of old eastside high *

* brings forth our loyalty *

* so cheer
for dear old eastside high *

* lead on to victory *

as the tension mounts
throughout the free world.

The ladies have jumped off
to a surprising 15-0 lead
over the boys.

Now next question,
bonus question for 20 points.

What is the origin
of our civil rights?

[Ding]

The magna carta.

No, Tom, no.

Ellen, take it.

English common law.

20-point bonus.

The boys lose 10 points
for ringing the bell

without knowing
the answer.

The magna carta was a document
guaranteeing rights,

but the rights of whom?
Uh, Stacey.

The aristocracy.

10-point bonus
for the girls.

The aristocracy
vis-a-vis the king.

The people got their rights
from the common well.

The common well.
Hence...Come on, who knows?

Uh...anthony.

Commonwealth?

10-point bonus
for the boys.

Good, but, guys,
watch out.

The girls have a 45-0 lead.
You're not doing too well.

Next two.
Come on. Quickly.

All right.
Here we go.

Bonus question
for 10 points.

Define the word
"imbrue."

Aha. I'll spell it
for you.

I-m-b-r-u-e.
imbrue.

[Knock on door]

Mr. Clark, could your class

do without you
for a minute or two?

Surely. kids,
take your seats. Quickly.

Come on. Quickly.

Take out your pencils.
Write this down.

Imbrue--to taint,
to stain.

The cancer of racism

imbrues our national
character.

It stains the spirit,

taints the soul.

It is a blot,

a shameful, greasy spot

on the fabric
of our national conscience.

Imbrue--to taint,
to stain.

30 words tomorrow.
Test.

What's the matter?

They're holding
a meeting of the union
executive board.

Without us?

They didn't
tell me, either.

Frank, I told you
we couldn't trust them.

Keep it down.

Those no-good bastards
sell us out

of a union we started?

Betray us like
a bunch of judases?

They won't crucify me.

No, sir. I got
the hammer and nails.

I won't be anybody's
martyr, frank.

I am sick and tired
of weasels

and spineless
gutless jellyfish.

Ok, ok, save it
for the meeting.

Why, man?
I got plenty.

I'm the rockefeller
of outrage.

What the hell are
you people doing?

We're having
a meeting here.

You're
selling us out!

We cannot have
an effective voice.

Our curriculum
will be impotent

if we sell out
every time
they threaten us.

You want to talk,
call me in.

We have to
stick together!

What we have to
is pay our bills.

You want to carry
picket signs, get your
picture in the paper.

We just want to work.

We are tired
of the agitation,

the posturing
of crazy--

how can you talk
about posturing

when you're always
bent over

kissing posteriors
at the school board?

You want to
step outside?

If you had
any nerve,

you'd be
on my side.

That's a moot point.

We just found out
that the board of education

will Grant
our salary increments

if we accept
their condition

that you be transferred
to school six,

and we agreed.

God bless you, man.

Pay your bills.

Joe.

They can go to hell.

Come on, Joe.

This place deserves
exactly what it gets.

[Bell rings]

* welcome to the jungle *

* we got fun and games *

* we got everything you want *

* how do we know
the names? *

* we are the people
that define *

* whatever you may need *

* if you've got
the money, honey *

* we got your disease *

* jungle,
welcome to the jungle *

* want to bring you
to your n-n-n-n knees, knees *

* I want to
watch you bleed *

* welcome to the jungle *

* we take it day by day *

* and if you watch,
you're gonna bleed *

* but this is the price
you pay *

aah!

* in the jungle,
welcome to the jungle *

it's all right.

Shh. it's all right.

It's all right.
It's all right.

What are you doing?

Go back
to your class.

Leave me alone!

* welcome to the jungle *

* it gets worse here
every day *

* learn to live like
an animal *

* in the jungle
where we play *

* you got to remember
what you see *

* you'll take it
eventually *

* you can have
anything you want *

* but you better not
take it from me *

* in the jungle *

* welcome to the jungle *

* want to bring you
to your n-n-n-n-knees, knees *

what's up, Brian?

* I'm gonna
watch you bleed *

* when you're high *

* you never, ever
want to come down *

* so down, so down *

* so down *

* yeah, oh *

yo! where's
my money?

I said,
where's my money?

Where's my money?

Hey, hey, hey.

Stop it, stop it,
stop it.

[Siren]

* in the jungle,
welcome to the jungle *

* want to bring you
to your n-n-n-n-knees, knees *

* in the jungle *

* welcome to the jungle *

* want to bring you
to your *

* it's gonna
bring you down *

* huh *

don't make me
fight you, man.

Get in the locker.

Come on, man.

You already sold
my books.

I'm gonna--

Markus,
what are you doing?

Let him out.

He lives in there.
He likes it.

Somebody!

Somebody help!
Somebody help!

Help somebody,
please.

Come quick!

Help! help me!

Let me out!

Help!

Somebody help!

Please, let me out!

Let me out, please!
Help!

Somebody let me out!

I can't breathe!

Somebody let me out,
please!

Somebody help me, please!

I can't breathe!

Somebody open up
the door!

Open the door, please!

Somebody let me out!

I just don't
goddamn believe it.

I've got an election
coming up,

and you hit me
with this now?

The state report came
from Trenton just now.

And we...Well, actually,
they ranked the schools,

and we were last
in the state.

Oh, that's a crock.

They can't just take
my schools away.

You're quite right.

That's what
i thought.

But, well, no, see, now,
actually, they can.

What?

The house passed
a bill last week.

75% of high school
students

must pass the minimum
basic skills test,

or the state takes
control by the end
of the school year.

Well, how many
passed last year?

About 38%.

38%?

What in god's name
are they doing

down there
at eastside?

They were
your appointees, Don.

Don't try pinning
this on me.

You're
the superintendent

of schools,
remember?

Now, look, I'm not
going down the tubes

just because
those kids can't
pass some test.

It's a can
of worms, Don.

Only someone
with nothing to lose
would take this job.

What would
we want with him?

I'm sitting here
racking my brain--

you're sitting there
setting me up.

I know you
like a book.

No, wait a minute.

No!

No, no, no, no, no,
not that nut! No!

No way!

He's the only guy
i can think of.

Oh, lord help us.

Derrick, Derrick,
slow down, now.

I am, Mr. Clark.

Slow down!

Bye, Mr. Clark.

So long, kids.

Hey, Joe.

What? am I in trouble?

You got to
bring your lawyer?

Rosenberg.

Joe. hot
for October.

How's it going
over here?

Ok. same old,
same old.

What brings you down?

We came from
the mayor's office.

They need a new principal
at eastside high.

Got to get those
test scores up.

He specifically
thought of you.

Sure.

Ok. I thought
of you.

All this time
i been stuck down here,

and you ask me now?

I'm not
a miracle worker.

Hello,
Dr. napier.

I just saw your wife
the other day.

Mr. Clark,
before you go,

the girls
still need that room
for baking class.

We continue to find
gum under the desks.

I'll make
an announcement
tomorrow.

Will that satisfy you?

Mrs. Hamilton,
you know
Mr. Rosenberg,

the school board
attorney.

How are you,
Mr. Rosenberg?

Dr. napier
wants to inspect
our new sandbox.

It's good to see you,
Dr. napier.

Yes, yes.

Forget about what
happened before.

This is a chance to
make some changes,

see if we can turn
this thing around.

You mean nobody else
wants the job.

Nobody I'd want.

You add my name
to the list.

You know what?
You're bullshit.

You're bullshit.
Don't talk to me
about saving those kids.

The mayor wants
to save his budget,

and you want to
save your butt.

Well, so what?

You want
the truth, Joe?

Yeah, frank,
let's have some truth.

The truth
is that for all
your talking,

all your
crazy Joe routine,

what have you
ever done? Nothing!

You're nothing but
an insignificant man!

It's like you
were never born!

Your life hasn't made
one bit of difference

and neither has mine.

You want to take that
to the grave?

We want to welcome
Mr. Clark to eastside.

We've heard so much
about you.

In anticipation
of your arrival,

Ms. levias, your other
vice principal, and I

have appointed
an executive committee

to oversee
certain areas

where we have noted
a need for improvement.

You may sit down,
Mr. O'Malley.

You think you can
run this school?

If you could, then
i wouldn't be here,
would I?

No one talks
in my meetings.

No one!

Take out your
pencils and write.

I want the names
of every hoodlum,

drug dealer,
and miscreant

who's done nothing

but take
this place apart

on my desk
by noon today.

Reverend slappy.

Yes, sir.

You're now
the chief custodian.

You will scour
this building clean.

Graffiti
goes up, it's off
the very next day.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.
The very next day.

Detention students
can help you.

Let them scrub
this place for a while,

and tear down those cages
in the cafeteria.

You treat them
like animals,

that's exactly
how they'll behave.

This is my new Dean
of security

Mr. William Wright.

He will be
my avenging angel

as you teachers
reclaim the halls.

This is an institution
of learning.

If you can't control it,
how can you teach?

Discipline is not the enemy
of enthusiasm.

Mr. zirella.

Yes, sir?

Mr. zirella, you are now
my new head football coach.

Mr. Darnell.

Stand up,
Mr. Darnell.

Mr. Darnell will be
your assistant.

You know why
you're being demoted,
Mr. Darnell?

Because I'm sick
and tired

of our football team
getting pushed around.

Thank you. Sit down.

I want precision.

I want
a weight program.

If you don't like it,
Mr. Darnell, quit.

Same for all of you.

You've tried it your way
for years.

Your students can't pass
a minimum basic skills test.

That means they can
hardly read!

They've given me
less than one year,

one school year to turn
this place around,

to get those
test scores up

so the state
will not take us over

to perform the task which
you have failed to do--

to educate our children!

Forget about
the way it was.

It's not
a damn democracy.

We're in a state
of emergency,

and my word is law!

There's only one boss
in this place,

and that's me,
the h-n-i-c.

Are there
any questions?

Mr. Wright.

The h-n-i-c?

The head nigger
in charge.

Everybody, right up here,
right here.

Check this out.

[Humming a rap beat]

* when I want
your body... **

George, Brian, sams,
they want you onstage.

Let's go.

Right now.

Mrs. Santos,
what about us?

What about me?

Sit down.

I said sit down.

What do they
want us for?

I don't know.
Go.

What do you got
to do around here

to get picked
for something?

Maria, sit down.

* get down *

* get down *

* some guys are lame *

* they want my fame *

* I got a girl
with juice *

* her name is deluce,
so check it out *

look at chita,
Holmes.

Let her
check me out, man.

Afraid of the girlies?
Flash some cash, boy.

Want some?
I'll give you some.

Buy her
some stupid gold.

Step off, man.

You're a joke.

Is this normal?

I'm afraid it is.

Is everybody
on the list onstage?

Yes, sir. I gave
their names to
homeroom teachers.

All the ladies
in the house
with the crabs,

let me hear
you say it.

Yeah!

Who's
got the crabs?

Mr. Clark.

Don't you remember me?
Kaneesha.

Kaneesha,
how are you, baby?

You know him?

Oh, we go way back.

Fifth grade.

Yeah. how are
things going?

Ok.

Just ok?

Listen, you have
any problems,
come and see me.

I'm in my office
every morning at 6:00, ok?

Ok. good to see you.

That was my elementary
school principal.

All right, people.
Settle down.

Get down
off the seats.

Settle down.

Settle down, boys and girls.
Settle down.

May I have
your attention?

Quiet.

Quiet down.
Take your seats.

You people sit down.
Sit down.

Quiet down.

I am your new principal.

My name is Joe Clark.

I want you to be quiet!

I want you to listen!

From here out,

there will be no smoking
in this school!

Put out your cigarettes
on the soles of your shoes.

Put the butts
in your pockets now!

You, there. You.

Put out your cigarette.

I'm going to ask
the people onstage

to open
with our school song.

Mr. Roland.

Do you believe
this guy?

Go, go, sing!

Suck my dick!

You sing the song.
You sing it.

All right. That's enough,
Mr. Roland.

That's enough.

I want all of you
to take a good look

at these people
on the risers behind me.

These people have been here
up to five years

and done
absolutely nothing.

These people are
drug dealers and drug users.

They have taken up space.

They have disrupted
this school.

They have harassed
your teachers,

and they have
intimidated you.

Well, times are
about to change.

You will not be bothered
in Joe Clark's school.

Yeah!

Shh!

These people
are incorrigible,

and since none of them
could graduate anyway,

you are all expurgated.

You are dismissed.

You are out of here
forever.

I wish you well.

Oh, shit!

Mr. Wright.

I don't need
your school.

I'm going in
the air force, man.

Know what I'm saying?

You know
what I'm saying?

I told you, man.

You ain't nobody.

I'm gonna
get you, man.

You ain't nobody.

Next time it may be you.

If you do no better
than they did,

next time it will be you.

They said this school
was dead

like the cemetery
it's built on,

but we call our eastside teams
ghosts, don't we?

And what are ghosts?

Ghosts are spirits
that rise from the dead.

I want you
to be my ghosts.

You are going to lead
our resurrection

by defying
the expectation

that all of us
are doomed to failure.

My motto is simple.

If you do not
succeed in life,

I don't want you
to blame your parents.

I don't want you
to blame the white man.

I want you
to blame yourselves.

The responsibility
is yours!

In two weeks,
we have a practice exam

and the minimum basic
skills test on April 13th.

That's 110 school days
from now,

but it's not just about
those test scores.

If you do not have
these basic skills,

you will find yourselves
locked out,

locked out
of that American dream

that you see
advertised on TV,

that they tell you
is so easy to get.

You are here
for one reason,

one reason only--

to learn

to work
for what you want.

The alternative is
to waste your time

and to fall
into the trap

of crime, drugs,
and death.

Does everyone
understand that?

Do all of you
understand me?

Then welcome to the new
eastside high.

Mr. Clark
don't play.

What happened
this morning
is an outrage.

My boy's
no criminal.

Those children
belong in school,

not back out
on the street.

You're a fascist,
Clark!

Our kids don't
deserve this!

Some of them
are smart.

They're just
discouraged

about their chances
out there,

what kind of jobs
they got waitin'
for them.

Now what kind of
chance do they have?

He insulted the black
football coach.

The man's gone crazy.

He's declared war
on his own people.

May I remind you,
miss Barrett,

that Mr. Clark
was nice enough

to come to this
emergency meeting

after a very
trying day.

I think we owe him
a chance to respond.

They say

one bad apple
spoils the bunch.

Well, what about 300?

Rotten to the core.

Now, you're right,
Mrs. Barrett.

This is a war.

It's a war to save
2,700 other students,

most of whom don't have
the basic skills

to pass a state exam.

Now, if you want
to help us, fine.

Sit down with your kids and
make them study at night.

Go get your families
off welfare.

How dare you talk
about welfare!

Give our children
some pride.

Let them get their
priorities straight.

When Dr. napier
came to me

offering this job,

I saw the lightning flash.

All right!

I heard the thunder roll!

Give it to 'em!

I felt breakers crashing,
swamping my soul.

We are not in church,
Mr. Clark!

I fell down
on my knees...

And I cried,
"my god...

Why has thou
forsaken me?"

Tell 'em
about it.

And the lord said,
"Joe, you're no damn good."

No, no. I mean this...

More than you realize.

"You're no earthly
good at all

"unless you take
this opportunity

and do whatever
you have to."

And he didn't say,
"Joe, be polite."

Do whatever you have to

to transform and transmogrify
this school

into a special place,

where the hearts and souls
and minds of the young

can rise,

where they can
grow tall and blossom

out from under the shadows
of the past,

where the minds of the young
are set free.

That's right!

And I gave
my word to god.

And that's why
i threw those bastards out.

[Cheering]

And that's all
I'm going to say.

Mr. Clark, I wanted to
talk to you

about those kids
you threw out yesterday.

Well,
what about them?

I was one of them,

but you made
a mistake.

Mistake?

Yes, sir.

What's your name,
son?

Sams.
Thomas sams.

Thomas sams,
Thomas sams.
You're a freshman?

Yes, sir.

Cutting class
and smoking crack,
Mr. sams.

There's no mistake.

No, sir.
It wasn't me, sir.
I swear it wasn't.

It wasn't you?

No.

You think
I'm stupid, son?

No, sir.

Yes, you do.

You're trying to con
a con man.

You're not even
learning anything

on the streets,
are you?

You come with me.

What are you doing?
What's up here?

Now, let me
tell you something.

The trouble
with being a teenager

is you don't
know nothing.

The problem
with teenagers is

you think
you're smarter than people
who've already been

down the road
you're traveling.

You know what
I'm trying to say
to you, boy? Do you?

Yes, sir.

Did you tell your father
i threw you out of school?

Look at me, damn it!

No, sir.

Why not?
No guts, huh?

Afraid of what
he'll say, aren't you?

My father doesn't
live with us
anymore, sir.

Is that what
you're doing?

Going around
feeling sorry
for yourself, boy?

Get out of here!
You're wasting my time!

Please let me
back, sir.

I have to
get back at school.

I can't
tell my mama
i got kicked out.

Now, why should i
let you back, sams?

Because
I'm going to
do better, sir.

How?

By doing my work.

What else?

And staying
out of trouble.

What have you been
thinking about
all this time?

Why should i
believe you now?

Because
i changed my ways.

I don't believe you,
sams.

I don't think
you've changed a thing.
Go on, jump!

No. I don't
want to jump.

Yes, you do!
You smoke crack,
don't you?

You smoke crack,
don't you?

Look at me, boy!
Don't you smoke crack?

Yes, sir.

You know what
that does to you, huh?

No, sir.

It kills brain cells, son.
It kills brain cells.

When you're
destroying brain cells,
you're killing yourself,

only it's slower!

If you want to
kill yourself,

don't fuck around
with it,

go on and
do it expeditiously.
Now, go on and jump!

No. I don't want to
kill myself, sir.

You're quite sure
about this, are you?

Yes, sir.

I tell you
what I'll do.

I'll go back
on my own word
just this once

and let you back into
my school

'cause you're still a baby,
and you don't know shit,

but you
understand this, boy.

You're not gonna
get a moment's rest.

I'm gonna be on your case
every minute.

You mess up just once,
and you're out of here.

Now, you understand me?

Do you understand me?!

Yes, sir.

Now, go on
back downstairs.

All right, people.
Let's settle down in here.

Now, settle down,
quiet down.

Let those who are trying to
eat their lunch digest.

Robert, boy, you had lunch
at fourth period. Go on.

If Mr. O'Malley didn't
do anything, Mr. Clark won't.

Louisa, you're looking
mighty good today.

These boys
better watch out.

You kids
having any problems?

Yeah. she is.
Tell him.

Louisa?

Why should I take home ec?
I want to take auto shop.

I have brothers and sisters.
My mother works.

I've been cooking
for 11 years.

Does it look
like I don't cook?

I want you
to take this
to Mr. O'Malley.

You know how much
auto mechanics make?

$17 an hour.

That girl
right there, man.

Yo, sweetheart. Right here.
I got hunger pains, baby.

You could be my lunch.

Boy, get off this table!
Get your hormones together!

It ain't hormones.
She's flying, man.
She's a fox.

I saw your arms
around clarisse.

Clarisse?
you honked off
with that skeezer?

No, I never--

check it out.
It was only one time.

Chill out, man!

Richard,
for your first job
as class president,

I want to build
an atrium.

Track me down tomorrow.
We'll talk about it.

Don't worry about it.

How you doin', brother?
Good to see you.

Oh, you, hey!

Yes, Mr. Clark?

What's your name?

Kid ray.
How you doin'?

Just like you,
Mr. Clark.

Got to
look the part.

These kids don't
understand that.

Hey!

Sams, put it back!
Put it back!

How many times
have I told you,
boy?

Put something
in your head,
not on it.

Pull your pants up!
Show some dignity!
Have some sense!

What's he doing
hanging out with you seniors?

You're providing
a deleterious influence here.

Mr. Clark,
he's my cousin.

We was
goin' over music.

Music, huh?

Come here.

Let me have your attention.
Everyone quiet down!

I want all radios off
instantaneously.

All radios off.

[Music stops]

I want all of you

to look at this...

Slovenly, sloppy boy here...

As an example
of how not to dress.

Now, if you
look like this

when you look in your mirrors
in the morning,

find something else
to put on.

Self-respect permeates
every aspect of your lives.

If you don't have it
for yourselves,

you're not going to get it
from anywhere.

Now, to prove
their self-respect,

Mr. sams and his friends here--
you boys stand up.

I'm going to
pound him.

Mr. sams and his friends

are going to sing
our school song.

I want
absolute silence.

No one
is permitted to move

during the singing
of the school song.

All right.
Let's hear it.

* fair eastside *

* by the road-- *

Mr. Darnell, no one
is permitted to move

during the singing
of the song!

I was picking up
trash.

Report to my office!
Immediately!

Woo!

Quiet!
quiet in here!

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha!
Ha ha ha!

All right. Continue.

* so cheer for... *

you boys
are on detention,
three days each.

You will
learn this song,

or next time,
you'll be suspended.

This goes for everybody!

You will sing
the school song
upon demand,

or you will suffer
dire consequences!

Mr. Wright,
take this riffraff
to my office.

[Bell rings]

* hit the road, Jack *

* and don't you come back *

* no more, no more,
no more, no more *

* hit the road, Jack *

* and don't you come back
no more *

* what you say? *

* o, o glorious *

* is thy name *

* o mighty lord *

* glorious is thy name-- *

people, what are you--

can I help you,
Mr. Clark?

I want everyone

to be able
to sing the school
song on demand

or be suspended.

Certainly, Mr. Clark.
From the top--

Mrs. Elliott,
may I see you
in the hall, please?

Now?

Yes, now!

Will you see if you can
get these people together?

Mm-hmm.

If you sing like that
in New York,

we will not
be invited back.

I don't like
being ignored.

I'm sorry if you
weren't getting
enough attention,

but I'm training
a chorus.

You don't think
the school song
is important enough

to warrant
a little interruption?

It's fine, but we were
doing Mozart.

If you'd like
respect for your work,
try to appreciate ours.

Who do you think
you're talking to?

A man
who seems threatened
when any other adult

does something
the children like.

Mrs. powers, I want it quiet
in here right now!

I'd love to chat,
Mr. Clark,

but I have
a concert next week
in New York,

and I would like
to be prepared.

Prepared--you know
what that means--

capable, ready,
and up to your job.

What concert?

At Lincoln center.
We do it every year.

Until now.
Your concert
is canceled.

You do know
what canceled means,
don't you?

Over, finished,
terminated!

Why? they've worked
too hard!

For not telling me.

Oh, I filed a form
in your office!

And for rank
insubordination!

You've questioned
my judgment,
intelligence!

You're a despicable man!
I've nothing to say to you.

Let's
accommodate that.
You're fired!

You need
a psychiatrist!

Get out!
Right now!

Fine! fired? You will
hear from my lawyer!

Mr. Clark.

Ms. levias, these miscreants
don't know the school song.

They've got
three days' detention.

Mr. Darnell,
into my office.

Ok, fellas,
come on up.

What was that all about?

I distinctly said
no one move

during the singing
of the school song.

Now, if you can't
understand that,
find another job.

I was picking up
a piece of paper!

You contradicted me
in front of my students!

They're my students!

They are my students,
Mr. Darnell!

Just what are you
trying to prove?

I'm working my ass
off for you!

I took the demotion!
I'm doing my job!

You're just getting
your rocks off by
treating me like trash!

No, sir.

That's what you
were picking up.

God damn it!

You give me
the goddamn respect

you would damn well
want yourself,

or I will kick
your black ass!

You are suspended,
sir, as of right now!

Get out!

Ahh!

Oh, my god!

What is going on?

Mr. Darnell is suspended.
Indefinitely.

You don't
have the power
to suspend a teacher!

Then I can recommend.
Get me the forms.

Yes, sir.

Mr. Clark, please.
Mr. Darnell is more than
just a football coach.

He teaches english!

Not anymore.

The state practice
test is tomorrow.

Do you have to
do this now?

Ms. levias--

Mr. Clark?

What do you want?
What?

It could wait.

Mr. Clark,
do you have any idea

of the chaos
you have caused
around here?

Nobody knows
what you're doing!

That's exactly
the way I like it!

* never made first period
for one year straight *

* forget a diploma,
it's education I hate *

* I feel like droppin' my books
and just strafin' it *

* 'cause the way I'm feelin',
i ain't makin' it *

* I ain't makin' it *

* school's the place
i don't really want to be in *

* the day I quit,
that's it, I'm leavin' *

* when people tell me
about gettin' grades up *

* my reply--"am I gettin' paid
or what?" *

* bright in the morning,
my alarm awakes me *

* my mom won't, she's a witch,
she hates me *

* failin' all my classes,
i don't give a damn *

* success,
i ain't makin' it *

stay to your right.
Let's get to your classes.

Come on, now.
We got 20 seconds to the bell.

Let's go. Sams, sams,
come here. Where you going?

Lunch.

Try to eat
some vegetables
for a change, ok?

Lay off
those muffins.

See you later.

Don't bunch up
down there, people.

That doesn't concern you.
We'll tell you about it later.

[Bell rings]

All right, Richard.
It's all yours.

We have two groups
to thank--

the black and hispanic
alumni--

for giving us
sofas and armchairs.

It makes the school
seem a home
away from home.

Having fun?

I am.

I haven't heard
a word about
those test scores.

They'll send them--

send them how?
By pony express?

Am I supposed to
wait for them?

Get yourself
down to Trenton,

where they're probably
on some desk.

Bring them back here
where they can
do some good.

But now, ladies
and gentlemen,
for the grand finale--

Ms. levias,
if you would--

our very own
passaic river falls.

[Camera shutters clicking]

Good job.
You're doing
very well, son.

I'm very
proud of you.

Mr. Clark, come
to the cafeteria quick!

Some guy's
beating up kid ray!

Hey, stop it!
Stop it!

Come on, old man.
I been waitin' for this.

Come on.
Come on.

Get this disgrace
to his race
out of here!

I threw him out once.

Then what's
he doing back?

Someone must have
let him in from the inside.

I didn't do it.

I want every door
in this school
chained and locked--

all of them!

[Cheering]

Hi, Mr. Clark.

Oh, hi, kids.
How you doin'?

Hi, Mr. Clark.
What's up?

Hi, nathalee.

Kaneesha,
what's the matter,
doll?

Kaneesha?

Now, I told you
if you have
any problems,

you come and see me.

Come on, now.

I've known you
more than half
your life.

What's the matter?
How are your
grades? Hmm?

They're not too good.

Well, why not?
You're a smart girl.

You shouldn't be
having any problems.

I don't have
no place to live.

Well, where's
your mother?

She don't want me
no more.

Now, here.
Come with me.
Come on.

I'll see what I can do
about this.

Ms. levias, you know
kaneesha Carter here.

Will you go on in
to miss ruiz?

Is he all right?

He'll survive.

Kaneesha here is having
a problem at home.

Pull her file,
talk to her,
get back to me.

Come on, kaneesha.

* because it
never made a difference *

* I never paid attention
to the sound *

* of my own despair *

trick or treat!

* there was
never no feelin' *

* never not needing
that child *

* even though
i couldn't always be there *

* and time don't wait
on love, now *

* life don't wait *

* for a break
in the weather *

* what if I'm left *

[knock on door]

* with no love at all? *

* no love at all? *

[knock knock]

Who's there?

Mrs. Carter?

Mrs. Carter
doesn't live here.

Mama, it's me.

Mrs. Carter,
it's Joan levias
from eastside.

I'm here
with Mr. Clark.

* 'cause time
don't wait on love, now *

* and life don't send you
an invitation *

been a long time,
Mrs. Carter.

Please.

Come in.

* no love at all **

I've been meaning to come by
and talk to you.

Mind if I try
and act civilized
for a moment?

Offered you two
a seat.

Mrs. Carter,
i ran into kaneesha
in the halls.

Was talking
about her grades.

She says you don't
want her around
anymore.

I don't expect
your sympathy,

but I ruined
my life.

I know
that's my business
to deal with that.

It's been
hard enough.

When kaneesha was
in the fifth grade,

you were one of
my most active
parents.

You were always
at school
helping out.

We don't mean
to pry, Mrs. Carter,

but kaneesha
has a gift.

She has that spark.
We have to
look after her.

Why would she think
you wouldn't want her?

I had kaneesha
when I was 15.

I didn't want
no welfare,

so I quit school,
worked,

came home at night,

didn't have no life.

So when she was old enough
to take care of herself,

I ran out
and got one.

Is that what
you're doing now?

I'm just now
getting back
on my feet, you know?

As I get clean...

I see myself
for what I am...

And I hate it.

And I don't want her
to see me like this
no more.

So when the people
from the foster home
came by,

I thought it was
the right thing to do.

Why would I want to
get rid of her?

I love her...

More than myself.

Mrs. Carter...

If we helped you
find a job,

a better place
to live,

would that help?

Because, frankly,
i don't see
kaneesha making it

without you.

Do you understand?

Yeah.

Good.

Thanks, Bob.
We'll talk tomorrow.

What was that
all about?

Chains on the doors.

Thought you people
didn't like chains.

You see this yet?

You know,
all of it

comes down
on my head.

Oh, frank, look.
This is--

no. you let me talk.

You're a bird with radar.
I'm tired of getting hit.

Is this my fault?

This is nothing!

I've got
union lawyers
threatening me.

There's talk
of a walkout.

Let 'em!
They're not teaching
anything anyway!

Then do something
about it!

None have
a personal stake
in that school!

The fire chief
says it's illegal
to bar doors.

Mrs. Barrett
is organizing a group
to remove you

since you suggested that
they get off welfare

because quite a few
of them need it.

I wasn't talking
to all of them, frank.

Look, you came
and recruited me, man.
You disappoint me.

The disappointment
here is you!

Me?

Yes!

You've known me
30 years. You know
how I operate.

Nigger, can you
keep quiet?

The fact is
you're screwing up!

You're alienating
everybody!

You have no life.
Your wife left you.

I ought to
walk out myself!

Bail out!

I said
I'd back you up!

That's what
you said, frank!

Brother, I'll go
through the fire
with you,

but you are not taking
care of business!

But this shit
you're pulling now,

you've just gone
plain loco!

You suspend Darnell!
What the hell was that?

Darnell is symptomatic
of disciplinary
problems--

he is a good, strong,
young black teacher!

He dumped that desk
on top of your head.

Good for him.
You will reinstate
that man!

You fire
Mrs. Elliott. Why?

She didn't want to
kiss your ass.
I wouldn't either!

Mrs. Elliott
has an ego problem.

Well, you lost
the best teacher we had!

I don't have time
for Mrs. Elliott's
problem!

You make time!

We're being crucified
by a process

that's turning blacks
into a permanent
underclass here!

See? nobody wants to
talk about that!
Nobody!

Mrs. Elliott's
missionary zeal
about Mozart

has nothing to do
with our problem!
Nothing!

What good
will Mozart do

children who can't
get a job?

Joe,
your personal battles

are going to
cost us the war.

Worry about
the test scores.

What the hell
you think
I'm worried about?!

End of discussion!
You will write
a formal apology

for your treatment
of Mrs. Elliott
and Darnell

and for your insult
to the women
of this community!

You will kowtow
and step and fetch.

Get used to it!
It's the way
of the world!

If you're so hot
on discipline,

then start
by accepting mine

because contrary
to popular opinion,

I am the head nigger
in charge!

Come on. Let's get
something to eat.

Boy...

You really think
you bad, don't you?

You are all in violation
of the fire code,

and you cannot prevent me
from going in!

How many times
do I have to tell you?

You're not getting in,
and that's that!

You have no right
to lock these doors.

This isn't a plant.
This is my school.

If you want to
get in here,

you'll apply for a pass
just like everyone else,

you and your
TV friends here.

What the hell
is the bat for?

They used to
call me crazy Joe.

Well, now they
can call me Batman.

I got thugs, drug
dealers, and deviants
of all kinds

trying to get
into my school.

You might be one.
I don't know.

Are you crazy?
Are you nuts?

I got
all day, chief.

How much time
do you have?

I'll be back, Clark.

Thanks, Mr. Darnell.
Good to have you back.

You shouldn't
have fired me
in the first place.

You're right,
but don't get used
to it.

Mr. Clark, why did you
lock the school?

Aren't you concerned about
your students' safety?

Get these people
back to their classes.

Honey, get back
to your class.

You're playing
into his hands.

That was
the fire chief.

He's saying,
"black bastard
can't throw me out,"

but he's saying it
out in the parking lot.

Mr. Clark,
a baseball bat?

Is that the image
you want to project?

If they'd gotten me
those emergency doors

that sound an alarm
when you open them up,

like the ones
white schools have,

I wouldn't
have to chain them.

Those doors cost
a fortune.

We don't have enough
money for books.

Tell the mayor that!

Call the federal government,
tell them to get me
more money,

and never mind
what I'm doing!

Why don't you do
what I asked you to do?

Where are
those test scores
i asked you to get me?

Hey, Mr. Clark.

Hi, kid, how you doing?
Hi. Where you been?

I was sick.

Sick, huh?

Hi, Eric.

What was that
altercation about?

Alteration?
are my pants too tight?

The fight you had
in the cafeteria.

Now, come on.
Don't get cute with me.

Mr. Clark, I've
already had enough shit
from this, ok?

Why did he come after you?

You dealing drugs
in my school?

We don't need
to get into this.

I just came here
to tell you something.

I don't think I'm cut
out for this school
and all.

I just came
to say good-bye.

Dropping out
on me, huh?

I'm not dropping out.
I'm moving on.

You'll be dead
in a year, son.

You hear
what I'm saying?

You'll be dead
in a year.

Mr. Clark,
i got to go.

You know, baby,
i look at you,

and I want to do
the hootchie cootchie.

Hootchie cootchie,
that's what I'm doing.

You know, sometime,
baby.

Oh, come on, fellas,
not again. Come on.

Sams, freeze.

Where are you
running off to,

and why don't you have
a book in your hand?

I got lunch
then gym--

why did I let you
back in here?

To get an education.

How you gonna
get a education
if you don't read?

I read!

When do you get
your report card?

Next week. Miss James
says I'm getting a "b."

I knew you were smart.

I knew it, too.

See you later,
ok, Mr. Clark?

Nice tie.

Sams, get back here.

Let's see what
you've got in here.

You don't want to go
in here, Mr. Clark.

It stinks.

My, my, my.

Aren't you
my little songbirds

from the cafeteria?

Weren't they with you?

Who, these guys?

I'm sure you've learned
the school song by now.

You better know it

because this time
if you don't
get it right,

you're suspended
for 10 days each.

Now, is that clear?

Is that clear!

Yes, sir.

All right, then.
School song:
Let me hear it.

All right, fellas,
let him hear it.

* fair eastside *

* fair eastsi-i-ide *

* fair eastside *

* by thy side
we'll stand *

* and always
praise thy name *

* praise thy name,
praise thy name *

* to heaven, yeah *

* lend our hearts
and hands *

* to help increase
thy fame *

* ooh, lord *

* the honor, yeah *

* of old eastside high *

* calls forth
our loyalty *

* loyalty, loyalty *

* so cheer-- *

all right,
all right!

Who taught you that?

Answer me!

I know you didn't
do it yourselves.

Sams!

What?

Who taught you this song?

Speak up!

Mrs. powers.

Mrs. powers, eh?

Come with me, all of you.

* ...Out this world *

* gonna shoulder up
my cross *

* gonna take it home
to my Jesus *

* ain't that good news? *

* I got a savior
in that kingdom *

* ain't that good news? *

* I got a savior
in that kingdom *

* ain't that good news? *

no, no, no, people.

You must remember,

we need intonation,
phonation, accuracy,
and pitch.

Now, this is your note.

* hmm *

Mrs. powers.

Yes, sir.

These hoodlums
told me something
i can't believe.

Are you the one

who changed
the school song
like that?

Mrs. powers--

let her answer!

Well, sir, the children
thought that the song
was a bit boring.

Boring, huh?

I have never heard
a school song
like that,

and I didn't
authorize you
to change it.

Did I?

No, you didn't.

I want everyone
to learn that song

in english
and Spanish.
Immediately.

Take a bow,
Mrs. powers.

You've rewritten
our Alma mater.

* the honor *

* of old eastside high *

* brings forth
our loyalty *

* loyalty, loyalty *

* so cheer for dear
old eastside... *

how's it going?

What you got
in there, Malachi?

My future.

All right.

* ...Aboard eastside *

* all aboard, all aboard *

* yes, eastside *

* all aboard, all aboard *

how's it going,
Mr. Darnell?

Good, good.
That's great.

* ...High *

* ge-e-et *

fellas?

* on *

* that *

* train *
* train *
* train *

Ms. levias...

Hi, Mr. Clark.

I just heard something
you wouldn't believe.

Uh, Mr. Clark,

Mr. O'Malley
just brought this
from Trenton.

The school's
practice test.

I had to wait
all this time for this?

Next time I order you
to go get something,

you better damn well
go get it yourself!

Oh, no.
Oh, my god.

Give me
your attention,
everyone.

First three rows
take four steps
forward.

Right now!
Come on!

1, 2, 3, 4.

Ok, that's good.
Turn around.

Hold it,
Mr. O'Malley!

What's
your excuse?

I was filling out
a big stack of forms.

I forgot the time.

This is
a prime example

of the kind
of inefficiency
and apathy

that is destroying
this school.

Mr. O'Malley,
i can't believe
you're that bad.

I'll give you a chance
to revitalize
your image.

Set up a student pier
tutoring program.

Maybe the students
can help themselves.

Lord knows, you teachers
aren't doing the job.

Ms. levias, I want
remedial reading on Saturdays.

Volunteers will get
regular pay.

We can't afford
overtime.

Mr. Clark, the problem
isn't our pay.

What is the problem?

How to get the students
in on Saturday.

You hear that, people?

How do we get the students
in on Saturdays

for remedial reading?

I'll tell you how.

We'll go to their homes.

We'll talk to their folks.

If their folks
can't read,

they can come in, too.

The only way
we'll get anything done

is to get everyone
involved.

And that goes
for all of you!

It's time
to get involved.

Everyone in this section,

put both your hands
above your heads.

Raise your hands!

Put them up!

You people represent
the 70% of our students

who just failed
the practice exam.

70%!

But that is not
their failure.

I don't blame them.

The failure is yours.

That's right, yours.

How many hours do you spend
preparing your lesson plans?

How often do you
stay after school

to give those children--

the ones
you know need it--

the extra help
that they require?

Keep your hands up.

Now you're getting a hint

of the kind of
hopelessness and shame

that makes those
failing students

throw up their hands

at the thought
of facing a world

for which you have not
prepared them.

You're getting an inkling
of the despair they feel

when left to the mercy
of the streets.

Keep your hands up high.

Now, look around
at yourselves.

Turn and look
at yourselves!

Because you are failing
to educate them,

this is the posture
our students will wind up in,

only they'll be staring
down the barrel of a gun!

* ooh, yeah, yeah *

* ahh ha ha *

* if a man is born
in luxury *

* it proves to me
through history *

* he is somebody *

* if a man is born
in poverty *

* privation and misery *

* he is nobody *

* everybody is somebody *

* nobody is nobody *

* I mean, apart
from all the wealthy *

* ooh *

* everybody is somebody *

* oh, yeah *

* so look at me here, man *

* ooh ooh ooh *

* oh, yeah *

* ooh ooh ooh *

* poverty is what,
what it takes *

* it makes such dangerous
mistakes about who *

* who is somebody *

* when a woman
has a child *

* before that child
is born *

* she, she is somebody *

* everybody is somebody *

* nobody is nobody *

* I mean, apart
from all the wealthy *

* doo doo doo doo doo *

* everybody is somebody *

* everybody is somebody *

* yeah, oh, yeah *

* everybody is somebody *

all right, you guys,
forget it.

All right, I got one.

Who's this?

People,
move to the right
of the halls.

Move expeditiously.

Francesca,
come over here.

How are you?

Fine, Mr. Clark.

How's your sister?

She broke her leg.

That's good.

You have any problem,
come to my office.

Here's the key.

Ooh, that
ain't the key.

Sams, sams.
Where's sams?

Anybody see sams?

Pull your pants up, son.

Clarence, come here.

Get your hormones
under control, boy.

Clarence.

What do you think
you're doing?

I was just...

I was just, um...

Francesca,
come here.

What is he doing?
Can he do me?

Does he
have the juice?

No way, Mr. Clark.

Clarence, report
to my office.

Mr. Clark, I was
just fooling around.

Gotcha.

* "...How do you
learn the alphabet?"
Be on time... *

come on, sams!
You can do it.

* ...He's on time *

* j-o-e c-l-a... *

don't give up!

* fall in together,
going "how do you
like the weather?" *

* going "how do you
learn the alphabet?"
Be on time *

* school bell ring
at a quarter to 9:00... *

that's it, sams!
Stay with it, boy!

* ...Be on time *

* "how do you learn
the alphabet?"
Be on time *

* how do you spell eastside,
eastside high? *

* how do you spell Joe Clark?
He's on time *

* j-o-e c-l... *

holy cow!
I'm out of here.

Clark can't even get them
past that test.

I thought we'd
settled this.

With the doors chained,
that school's
a firetrap.

Son of a bitch
is laughing
at us, Don.

Don, the man has
a legitimate problem.

How does he keep
drug pushers out
of his school

if their buddies can
just push open the exit
doors and let them in?

He's got
a point, sir.

Rosenberg, this
doesn't concern you.

Don, we can both
go to jail.

By statute, we are
legally responsible.

If a fire broke out
and a kid got hurt,

they're going to
get trampled.

A bunch
of savages anyway.

Savages?

Don, can't you
control your men?

Ladies and gentlemen,

please leave me alone
with Mrs. Barrett.

Don, I want to
talk to you.

I'll call you later
at your office, ok?
Thank you very much.

Thank you, frank.
Close the door, eh?

I want to apologize
for the chief's use
of language.

I don't like
none of you people.

In that case,
let's cut through
the formalities.

What do you want?

Clark!

Just like that, huh?
Head on a platter.

You think I got
an attitude.

Let me tell you
what I think.

I know why you like Clark.
He's a guard dog,

does your dirty work,
keeps the black folk
in line. That's fine,

but you got
to get re-elected.

I got enough folks
lined up with me

to give you
a damn hard time,
and I will get more.

I will organize.
I will beat the streets!

Unless I do what?

Appoint me
to the school board

so we can
vote Clark out.

Otherwise we'll just
have to vote you out.

Vote me out?

You know, it's
always a pleasure
to see citizens

avail themselves
of the Democratic
process.

My job's going to be easy.

You're not too popular
these days, are you?

I'll sic the fire chief
on Clark.

Will that satisfy you?

Yes. and then I'll
get the school board
to dismiss him.

Then you'll come out
publicly for me.

It'll be my pleasure,
Mr. mayor.

[Toilet flushes]

That Barrett
is a bitch on wheels.

Smart. she's smart.

Yeah. she got
your number.

When am I supposed
to do this?

Now we'd just
disrupt things.

Give him another week
to prepare for that test.

Then we'll catch him
with chains on the doors.

We nail him,

and we make her
happy.

Politics.
what a business.

It's just like yours,
putting out fires.

The mayor's going to
nail me, huh?

What do i
always say?

He's got the hammer
and nails himself.

Frankie, Bernard,
Steve.

Boys, this is Mr. Rosenberg,
school attorney.

Let him hear
the school song.

Come on, Mr. Clark.

Come on, now.
Let me hear it.

* fair eastside *

* fair eastside *

* by thy side *
* by thy side *

* we'll stand *
* we'll stand *

[off key]
* and always
praise thy name-- **

all right!

Needs work, fellas.

Some things
you can't teach.

Bad singing
isn't genetic.

How's your mother?

Oh, she got that job.
She's feeling good.

Why aren't
you girls studying?
What are you doing?

The phone's broken.
My baby's sick.

I got to call my mother.

You can make your call
from the guidance office.

When are you girls
ever going to learn?

I ain't ashamed
about my baby.

Nobody's saying
you should be ashamed.

And she ain't
ashamed of me.

Whenever she look
at me, she don't
see no wrong.

Ok. go on and make
your call.

Mr. vanzetti,
let these girls
make a call.

Hey, Mr. Clark.

How you doing?

All right.

We can't let them know
who told you.

Why not?

Why not?

Mr. Clark,
we got a problem.

How come
you leave us out?

Everything's
for the black
kids.

The gospel chorus,
football, basketball

is for the blacks.

I'm short.
I can't play
basketball.

You're
ignoring us.

With a mouth
like yours,

you ought to
study law.

Really?

You kids wait for me
in my office.

If you all talk
at once,

I can't do anything.

I'll be with you ladies
in a minute.

Boss, you and Mr. Rosenberg
better wait here.

Miss Lynn,
give Markus a pass.

Ms. levias,
is everyone here?

Yes, sir.

Let me have
your attention.

With the help of
my ubiquitous clandestine
informants, I have learned

that the mayor
has told the fire chief

to catch me with
those chains on the doors.

They want to prosecute me
and get me the hell
out of here.

The security guards are
our first line of defense.

If you see the fire chief,
stop him at the gates.

Call in code 10
on your walkie-talkies.

We will repeat code 10
on the P.A. system.

All teachers and guards
have keys to the exit doors.

When you hear code 10, you
will proceed expeditiously

to your assigned door
and remove the chains.

Is that understood? Good.

Guards, resume your posts.
Ms. levias, take over.

Tell those kids
to meet me here 7th period.

How did it go?

It's under control.

I have
the progress report

on the reading
program.

Good.

I thought you'd
like to hear it.

I would like to hear it.

I'd also like to hear
the kids in my office

and Mr. Rosenberg
and Dr. napier,

but I can't be in
10 different places
at the same time, can I?

So maybe my vice principal
can do something
without me for once!

Mr. Clark.
Mr. Clark.

Kids, I'll help you
at 7th period, ok?

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Good night,
Mr. Clark.

Good night.

Mr. Clark.

Yes, Ms. levias.

May I talk to you
for a minute,
please?

What do you want?

I want you
to transfer me.

To where?

Out of here.

This doesn't
surprise me.

I have sensed
resistance in you since
our very first meeting.

You're an egomaniacal
windbag.

Who you talking to?

I'm talking to you!

You like to whip people
who can't fight back.

I thought
i could take it

because I had a father
in the same kind of pain

that makes you
such a bastard,
but I was wrong.

Life is much too short.
I will not endure you
any longer!

Not endure me?

The only reason
i haven't walked out

and half the staff
along with me

is because those
children need us here!

The children need you?

You're so busy
talking discipline,

you forget to educate.

What do you think
I've been doing here
all this time?

So you cleaned it up.
That was the easy part.

That's the easy part?

Those children
want to be helped.

They have worked their
hearts out for you, Joe,

done everything
we've asked of them,

believed
what we told them,

but I feel sorry
for them!

They're not ready
to take that test.

What the hell
are you talking about?

I have done everything--

I. I. It is always I.

There are 300 teachers
on the faculty here!

You do not
do it all alone.

I don't have to listen
to these accusations.

You will listen!

You will stand there,
and you will listen!

All right, Ms. levias,
go ahead and talk.

For the past 7 months,
you've been flapping
your mouth,

and you haven't
heard a thing.

You haven't even seen
what's painfully
obvious!

I'll tell you what--

no! I'm talking now!
Let me finish!

Everybody here
may not like you
as a person,

but we all applaud
your effort,

but what you
don't understand

is the same people
who support you

are the ones that
you're beating up!

You don't
even take the time

to say thank you,
job well done,
nothing.

You just step
on their necks,
constantly abuse them,

criticize them.

What the hell
do you want from me?

I want you
to get this straight.

Most of the teachers
are here because
they care

about those children,
this school, this fight.

They are in it with you.

They take it home at
night the same as you.

They are part of those
children's lives.

You are thoughtless
and cruel...

And it hurts.

And none of them
deserve it.

They are sick of it,
and so am I.

Ms. levias.

What's this?

The transfer
you asked for.

All right, people.
Here we are.

This is the day.

In one hour,

you're going to take an exam
administered by the state

to test your basic skills

and the quality of education
at eastside high.

And I want to tell you

what the people out there
are saying about you

and they think
about your chances.

They say you are inferior.

Come on!

Come on!

Come on! Come on!

"You are just a bunch of niggers
and spics and poor white trash."

[Murmuring]

"Education is wasted on you."

"You cannot learn!"

[Murmuring]

You're lost!

I mean, all of you.

I want all the white students
to stand up.

All my white students,
stand up right now.

Come on.
All my white students.

Stand up.
Stand up.

That's it.
Come on, stand up.

These are my white children,

and they're the same
as all of you.

They've got no place to go.

If they had,
they would have abandoned us
a long time ago,

like everybody else did.

But they couldn't.

So here they are,
at eastside high,
just like the rest of us.

You can sit down.

Are you getting my point,
people?

Yes!

Is it beginning
to sink in?

Yes!

We sink, we swim.

We rise, we fall.

We meet our fate together!

Now, it took the help
of a good, good friend

to make me know
and understand that,

and I do understand it,
and I'm grateful.

I'm eternally grateful.

And now I've got a message
for those people out there

who've abandoned you
and written you off.

Can you hear me?

Yes!

Can you hear me?

Yes!

Good!

You are not inferior!

[Cheering]

Your grades may be.

Your school may have been.

But you can turn that around

and make liars
out of those bastards
in exactly one hour

when you take that test
and pass it, and win!

So here's what
i want you to do.

[Clapping stops]

When you find
your minds wandering,

I want you to knuckle back down
and concentrate.

Concentrate!

Remember what's at stake

and show them what eastside high
is all about:

A spirit that will not die!

* sometimes in our lives *

* we all have pain *

* we all have sorrow *

* but if we are wise *

* we know that there's
always tomorrow *

* lean on me *

* when you're not strong *

* and I'll be your friend *

* I'll help you carry on *

* for it won't be long *

* till I'm gonna need *

* somebody to lean on *

* you just call
on me, brother *

* when you need a hand *

* we all need somebody
to lean on *

* I just might have a problem *

* that you'll understand *

* we all need somebody
to lean on *

* why don't you
lean on me? *

* lean on me *

* if you need a friend *

* you can lean on me *

* I'll be your friend *

* lean on me *

* you can lean on me *

* come on
and lean on me *

* lean on me *

* you can lean on me *

* please, won't you
swallow your pride? *

* if I have things *

* you need to borrow *

* for no one can fill
those of your needs *

* that you won't let go *

* why don't you
just lean on? *

* anytime *

* lean on *

* come on and lean on *

* lean on me,
you can lean on me *

* if you need a friend *

* lean on me *

* you can lean on me *

* and if you got a problem *

* you can lean on me *

* I'm your problem solver *

* you can lean on me *

* why don't you lean *

* lean on me *

* uh-huh *

* come on and lean on me *

* you can lean on me *

* call on me, brother *

* you can lean on me *

* sister, give me your hand *

* lean on me,
you can lean on me *

* you can, you can, you can *

* lean on me,
you can lean on me *

* swallow up your pride *

* lean on me,
you can lean on... *

* please, children, people *

* lean on me, oh *

eastside!

Eastside! eastside!

Eastside! eastside!
Eastside!

Eastside! eastside!
Eastside!

Eastside! eastside!
Eastside!

Eastside! eastside! Eastside!
Eastside...

* dum dum-dum-dum-dum *

* dum-dum-dum-dum *

* dum-dum-dum dum-dum *

* dum-dum *

* sometimes in our lives *

* we all have pain *

* we all have sorrow *

* dum-dum-dum *

* but if we are wise *

* we know that there's
always tomorrow *

I told you
these things take time.

Just how long
am I supposed to wait?

You boys are messing
with the wrong female.

He won't
let me in.

Poor little boy.

What the hell's
going on here?

Would you
talk to her?

I thought
we had made a deal.

Don't broadcast it
all over town.

I have got a school board
meeting tonight

and enough votes
to get Clark
kicked out

if I can prove
he's chained
those doors.

We can still get that
if you move on him today.

Chief gaines has
already tried that.

Bullshit! I've made
promises of my own.

I've got people
lined up with me
right now,

and if I can't deliver
any better than you

just a minute.
My credibility
is shot!

And I do not issue
idle threats.

Then don't
because I don't
want to hear it.

Ok, chief.

Now, Mrs. Barrett
here was promised
some action.

I think
it's time we get
a court order

and get you past
those guards.

Sounds good to me.

[Sobbing]

He ain't
worth it.

He's a jerk.

That's right.
He's a jerk.

I told you that.
You don't listen
to me.

What are you two ladies
doing in here?

Lillian, aren't you supposed
to be in class?

Huh?

Kaneesha?

What's going on
here?

Lillian?

What is this?

You'll have to
ask her, Mr. Clark.

Kaneesha,
what's the matter?

I got pregnant.

Please don't
be mad at me.

Lillian, let me talk to
her alone for a minute.

Did you tell
your mother?

I can't.

Reggie's
the father?

He says
it's not his,

but I've never been
with no other boys.

I never meant
for this to happen.

You girls never do.

So many of you
bringing babies
into this world

just to prove
you can accomplish
something.

And you're doing
so well now,
kaneesha.

Well, there are
other alternatives.

I'm scared.

I don't know
what to do.

I'll tell you
what we'll do.

We'll have
your mother come
to the school.

The three of us
will put our heads
together,

and I'm sure
we'll be able
to help you decide

what's best
for you to do,
all right?

Trust me?

Mr. Clark!

8 A.M.
I'll call your mother.

What is it?

The fire chief.

He got past
the gate.

Code 10!
Get those chains
off the door!

The enemy's
here!

We got it locked,
Mr. Clark.

Mr. Clark,
you're under arrest.

For what?

Basically, for
being an asshole.

Specifically for conspiracy
to violate the fire code.

I got no problem
with the fire code,
chief.

The only problem
here is you.

And your problem
is your mouth.

Code 10! Code 10!

Get those chains
off the doors!

The enemy's here!

We got it locked,
Mr. Clark.

Cuff him!

Hey, Mr. Clark!

What did they
get you for?

What's the charge?
What's this all about?

It's about someone
finally standing up
to this man

instead of taking
his orders
like a maid.

How dare you
speak like that!

Mrs. Barrett--

shut up!
You're finished!

The school board
will hear this at 7:00,

and we are gonna
vote your black ass out.

Yo, bitch!
Vote on this!

Sams, you go to class!

Levias, you're
acting principal now.

I expect you
to perform as I would.

Student: what--
what's going on?

What did you
do?

I chained the doors.

You break the law,
you pay the price.

[Shouting]

Hey, yo, Mr. Clark, we
still got to go to class?

Yes. all of you,
get back to class! Now!

Mr. Clark...

Go on!

Who will look
after the school?

Go on! Get back
into class!

Get back in there,
all of you! Go on!

Ms. levias,
they're your responsibility!

I guess we ought to
be getting out of here, Joe.

That school board meeting's
about to begin.

Do whatever we can.

Have you thought
about a new line
of work?

Perhaps
an exciting career
in electronics?

It's just
a little joke.

I'm going.

I've got
no complaints, Joe.

As far as I'm concerned,

what you accomplished
down at that school

is a goddamn miracle.

Those kids
have a light
in their eyes now

that was never,
never there before.

Thanks, boss.

You know,
I'm always trying
to teach my kids

to stay out of jail.

Look at me.

You go on.

Do what you
got to do.

He has failed
at his professional task.

We brought him in
to save our school

from a takeover
from the state.

That was the mandate
from our mayor.

But the test scores
on the practice exam

were 35% below passing.

[Murmuring]

Now, maybe
if we dump him now

and get a new principal
ourselves,

show the state
that we're doing something,

we can pre-empt
the takeover,

but only if we get him out

before those final
test scores come back.

After that,
it'll be too late.

This board won't
have any power.

It'll be nothing
but a rubber stamp.

[Murmuring]

Mrs. Arthur,
those are the facts.

Now, I appreciate
your personal loyalty
to Mr. Clark,

but he has let
our children down,

and our loyalty
should be to them.

Our loyalty
should be
to the man we hired.

[Shouting]

Order! order!

[Gavel pounding]

[Shouting]

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Order,
ladies and gentlemen!

[Gavel pounding]

Order, please!

We cannot continue
this meeting

with this kind
of chaos! Please!

Sit down!
Come to order!

Dr. napier,
Dr. napier,

I think you should
call the question now.

I cannot do that!

All points seem
to have been
exhausted here.

No further purpose
will be served by this.

Why don't you have
someone on the board--

it seems
Mr. Clark's students
have assembled outside

in an exercise of their
first amendment rights.

How many?

It looks like
all of them.

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

[Lock clicks]

We're in a tough spot here.

I have to
ask your help, Joe.

It's not for me.
It's for those kids.

They're very emotional.
They're all jacked up.

Send them home.

I don't have to
do nothing but
stay black and die.

Oh, for crying out loud.

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

People, before this
gets out of hand,

listen, for your own safety,
listen to me!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

All right, Joe.
Let me put it
this way.

First, I wanted you
to succeed.

Now, don't think
that I ever wanted
anything else.

But you're
a realist, Joe,
just like me.

Think what
would happen

if there was
a riot

and cops had to
clear that square.

I'd have
law and order
on my side,

and the only people
who'd be hurt
would be your kids.

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Listen to me!

People, please!

You must all disperse
and return to your homes!

Your presence here
is helping no one.

Why don't you use your brains
and listen?

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

[Siren]

[Siren stops]

Thank you.

Listen up.

Give her a chance
to talk.

She might actually
have something to say.

Let's listen to the old
loudmouthed wench.

[Laughter]

Here you go,
Barrett.

Here you go.

You can call me
what you want,

but the simple fact is

Mr. Clark has broken the laws
of this state

and exposed you all
to grave danger.

[Booing]

His behavior
is irresponsible.

Chaining those doors
was a criminal act.

Why do you think they
call him "crazy Joe"?

'Cause you all
don't understand him.

Yeah.
that's right.

He chained
those doors to keep
out the drug dealers

to make us
all feel safe.

You talk about the law,
but you're
twisting the law.

The laws are made
to protect the people.

That's what
he's doing for us.

Yes!

The thing that
you don't understand

is that Mr. Clark
believes in us.

He provided
and environ--

he doesn't
believe in you

'cause you
don't take care of
your responsibility!

Despite what he himself
may believe,

Mr. Clark is not
eastside high!

Mr. Clark
is not only
eastside high.

Mr. Clark is
like a father,

he's
the only father

that some of us
who don't have
fathers know!

You don't
know a thing
about Mr. Clark!

People!
people, just hear me!

The school board
is meeting right now,
and I promise you,

and we will give you what
eastside high deserves:

A good principal.

We don't want
a good principal!

We want Mr. Clark!

You may think you know
what you want,

but the question is
what is best for you,

best for eastside high.

This thing's
getting out
of hand.

Talk to them, please.

...to see
that this gets resolved

so that you can
continue your education.

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

Free Mr. Clark!

People! people...

[Cheering]

[Cheering]

Yay!

All right!

I wonder why I can't get
this kind of turnout

for study hall.

[Laughter]

All right, now.

Kids, this is
all very nice,

but now I'm going to insist
that you all go home

and let the laws
of the land prevail.

No!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

Now, listen.

Listen.

If I've taught you
anything,

I have tried to give you
respect for the law.

Now, I want you all
to go home

in an orderly fashion!

No! no! No!

Your voices have been heard!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

I appreciate
your concern for me.

No! no! No!

But now is the time
to go home.

No! no! No!

Kids, listen. You're not
helping the matters any.

You're not helping
our cause

if you stay here.

No! no! No!

I thought I left you in
charge of these students.

You got to read
this, please!

Is this taking care
of your responsibility?

Read it!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

Boss.

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

No! no! No!

Dr. napier,
it is my duty--

it is my privilege
and my honor
to report to you

that the students
of eastside high

have passed the minimum
basic skills test!

Mr. mayor.

Yeah! all right!

Go get him!

Mr. mayor,
on behalf of myself

and on behalf
of the students
of eastside high,

you can tell the state
to go to hell.

I told you.

You should not
have brought him here...

Joe Louis Clark
is not going anywhere.

[Cheering]

Are you ready,
my ghosts?

Yes!

Let me hear it.

1, 2, 3!

* fair eastside *

* by thy side we'll stand *

* and always praise thy name *

* to ever
lend our hearts and hands *

congratulations.

Come on, son.

* ...Thy fame *

* the honor
of old eastside high *

* brings forth our loyalty *

* so cheer for dear old
eastside high *

* lead on to victory *

* so cheer for dear old
eastside high *

* lead on to victory *

* lean on me *

* when you're not strong *

* and I'll be your friend *

* I'll help you carry on *

* for I know *

* that it won't be long *

* till I'm gonna need *

* somebody to lean on *

* you just call on me, brother *

* call me *

* if you feel
you need a hand *

* 'cause we all need *

* somebody *

* just to lean on *

* oh, I just might
have a problem *

* a problem *

* you'll understand *

* we all need somebody
to lean on *

* oh oh oh, yeah *

* listen, now *

* if there is a load *

* you have to bear *

* that you can't carry *

* just remember *

* I, I'm right
up the road *

* I'll share your load *

* if you just call on me *

* you have to call me *

* call me *

* whenever you're in trouble *

* call me *

* I'll understand *

* call me *

* we all have pain *

* call me *

* we all have sorrow *

* call me *

* hey hey hey... *

* just lean on me *

* lean *

* lean on me *

* lean on *

* j-just lean on me *

* lean *

* lean on me *

* lean on me *

* just, just *

* lean on him?
Yes, yes, why? *

* things are better *

* and we're finally
working together in unity *

* and you're soon to see *

* eastside high
as a better place to be *

* the students, the pupils
have morals and scruples *

* our learning ability
has increased quadruple *

* and we're off
to a brand-new start *

* I played my part
to prove that you're smart *

* and it's proven *

* but I ain't movin' *

* I won't be going,
I'm here *

* when you need someone
to lean on *

* to take heed to this
as a blessing and remember *

* ain't no high-stepping,
get it in full gear *

* I'm sure that you'll
care in the long run *

* when you
got full bail *

* that means
a form of I.D. *

* positive
identity *

* word, so let knowledge
approach ya *

* go for yours 'cause
we're the future *

* the ones who rise
to supremacy *

* and if you
ever need a hand *

* just lean on me *

* j-j-j-j-j *

* lean *

* j-just lean on me *

* lean *

* j-j-j-j-j *

* lean *
* lean *

* j-just lean on me *

* lean *

* j-j-j-j-j *

* lean *

* j-just lean on me *

* lean *

* lean *

* j-just lean on me *

* lean *

* lean on me *

* lean *

captioning made possible by
Warner Bros.

Captioning performed by
the national captioning
institute, inc.

Captions copyright 1989
Warner Bros.