Lean on Me (1989)
- Starring:
- Morgan Freeman, Robert Guillaume, (more)
- Director(s):
- John G. Avildsen
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13
- Category:
- Drama
Member Rating
My RatingSynopsis of Lean on Me
After earning rave notices for powerful supporting turns as a pimp in Street Smart (1987) and an alcohol abuse counselor in Clean and Sober (1988), actor Morgan Freeman began his ascent to stardom with this, his first lead role in a major motion picture. Freeman is real-life high school principal Joe Clark, a tough, harsh educator and administrator who in 1987 is given a nearly impossible task by his old friend, school superintendent Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume). Clark is asked to reform inner city Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ, a hotbed of delinquent kids and drug dealers. Considered the worst school in New Jersey, the state is threatening to take control of Eastside away from the local school board. If Clark can straighten out Eastside in time to get the school's basic-skills test scores up, he can have the job permanently. Although Clark's tyrannical approach and hard-line policies alienate many members of the staff and the community, his uncompromising campaign gets results and even makes him famous, much to the chagrin of his powerful enemies. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 109 mins
Complete Cast of Lean on Me
- Morgan Freeman - Joe Clark
- Beverly Todd - Ms. Levias
- Jermaine Hopkins - Thomas Sams
- Robin Bartlett - Mrs. Elliott
- Heather Rose Dominic - Stacey
- Yvette Hawkins - Mrs. Arthur
- Tyrone Jackson - Clarence
- Michael Joseph - Brian Banes
- Jim Moody - Mr. Lott
- Alan North - Mayor Don Bottman
- Sandra Reaves-Phillips - Mrs. Powers
- Sloane Shelton - Mrs. Hamilton
- Jennifer McComb - Ellen
- Pat McNamara - Police Officer
- Ivonne Coll
- Bruce Malmuth - Burger Joint Manager
- Mike Starr - Mr. Zirella
- Tony Todd - Mr. Wright
- Robert Guillaume - Dr. Frank Napier
- Lynne Thigpen - Leona Barrett
- Karen Malina White - Kaneesha Carter
- Michael Beach - Mr. Carnell
- Marina Durrell - Miss Ruiz
- Michael Imperioli - George
- Knowl Johnson - Tommy
- Marcella Lowery - Mrs. Richards
- Michael P. Moran - Mr. O'Malley
- Ethan Phillips - Mr. Rosenberg
- John Ring - Fire Chief Gaines
- Todd Alexander - Derrick
- Alex Romaguera - Kid Ray
- Richard Grusin - Mr. Danley
- Karina Arroyave - Maria
- Harry Madsen - Teacher in Cafeteria
- Regina Taylor - Mrs. Carter
- Director(s):
- John G. Avildsen
- Writer(s):
- Michael Schiffer
- Producer(s):
- Norman Twain, John G. Avildsen
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG13(Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Violence)
- Categories:
- Drama
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