In 1969 I had a great summer despite my fractured thumb. The Mets were in a pennant race, First Man on the moon, WMHA summer day camp was even enjoyable with it's countless field trips. The summer of 1970 was a different story as I was required to go to Summer School for the first time for Math. From 8:30 -10 Monday through Friday. I didn't care for the teacher either as my classmates were at the bottom 10% of the my grade. Not the studious types to say the least. When I arrived home My mother wasn't very pleasant either . She was mad that I was home and not in a structured Camp. Being of age I understand the need for space and having me around wasn't emotionally helpful as far as Mom was concerned. There were a few more Moon missions with little fan fare and the Mets were mediocre at best. Just a total reverse of the prior year. The laid back slacker of a Physical Ed teacher Mr.Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon)is really looking forward to his summer recess. In anticipation of spending his time in Hawaii with his lovely girlfriend, Shoop and his class watch the gymnasium scoreboard clock as they count down the the seconds to the final bell. Meanwhile in another part of the building a determined Mr. Dearadorian, English teacher, (DIRECTOR/ACTOR)Carl Reiner is rubbing scratch offs from the roll of California lottery tickets he purchase in hopes of winning his way out of his lousy job as Summer School Teacher. Our elated and exasperated English professor looks in shock as he realizes that he has won the big money prize and tells his boss good bye and runs off leaving the lone teacher poor Mr.Shoop holding the proverbial ball. No vacation, no Hawaii, just long days in the classroom teaching remedial English to a bunch of the strangest group of students you'll ever try to teach. From a hay fevered nerd Alan, Pregnant Rhonda,Larry the Chippendale dancer,Anna Maria Italian Beauty Queen, Dyslexic Denise and Wannabee House guest of Mr. Shoop Pam. The two stand out characters in this whole movie are students Francis Chainsaw (Dean Cameron) and his side kick Dave (Gary Reilly). With their array of disgusting props and viewing of their favorite Movie the Texas Chainsaw Massacre those two bring classroom participation to a comedic fever pitch. Shoop is basically clueless in teaching English and asks for Neighboring teacher (A SLENDER Miss Robin Bishop) Kirsty Alley for help on how to teach.At first Robin is standoffish due to the fact that she's dating cutthroat Assistant Vice principal Phil Gills(Robin Thomas) but Mark Harmon gives the Shoop character a special endearing charm and despite his transitional methods of teaching, he takes his misfits students to the beach, petting zoo and viewing The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Shoop is so taken in by his class that he makes deals with them by helping Denise with her driving exam,working with Larry at his football skills Lamaze coach for a pregnant Rhonda (Shawnee Smith) and hosting a party at his beachfront home for his rowdy pupils. The summer moves swiftly as the goal here is getting these kids ready for the English remedial exam. Just when it looks like all is lost as Mr. Shoop feels he's been taken advantage of because his Students over time didn't live up to their end of the bargain. Shoop storms out of his class, quits and the antics of his students rise to a higher level of comedy.You won't be disappointed in the outcome. Great period piece with no shortage of comedy but make sure you bring back the pass you used to go to the bathroom. I rate this movie 7 teacher's apples here!
Review of Summer School
