Halls of Anger *** (1970, Calvin Lockhart, Janet MacLachlan, Jeff Bridges) – Classic Movie Review 10,438

Director Paul Bogart’s 1970 drama Halls of Anger stars Calvin Lockhart, Janet MacLachlan, Jeff Bridges, James A Watson Jr, Rob Reiner, Edward Asner, John McLiam and Otis Day [Dewayne Jesse], and Patricia Stich.

Sixty white kids are sent to an all-black inner school under the US integration programme and meet up with the kind of racism black people can encounter in white society. The black students are opposed to the school having to become an integrated school, which then seeks the help of a tough black teacher.

Calvin Lockhart stars as the tough black teacher Quincy Davis, who seeks to put it all right, in this immensely good-hearted, if slightly simple-minded drama, tidily directed by Bogart in his feature début. Jeff Bridges, aged 20, makes his credited feature film début as Doug, who is dogged by black gang leader J T Watson (James A Watson Jr), and Patricia Stich plays white girl Sherry Vaughn, who is shamed by black girls.

Halls of Anger is perhaps a bit too pat, but it is sympathetic, with a kind and generous understanding nature. Its sincerity and the good performances see it through. It is a significant, thought-provoking film, tells an interesting story and it is very revealing of the attitudes of its time.

The writers are John Herman Shaner and Al Ramrus.

On 20 October 2020 Jeff Bridges revealed that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is being treated for it. He tweeted: ‘I have been diagnosed with lymphoma. Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good. I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery.’

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 10,438

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