An excellent acting job by Albert Finney carries this movie to a higher level than its script. Supplemented by good jobs by Greta Scacci and Mathew Modine, Finney minimalistically conveys the potent points of his character's regrets, fears, and passions. A terror to his students, Crocker-Harris allows himself to be dominated and humiliated by the school, the system, and the loveless marriage he is in.
Mathew Modine, inserted apparently for young appeal, does his best with his character's sympathy for his older colleague, whom he has cuckolded. Scacci does her best with the faithless wife who enjoys twisting the knife in her hapless, though outwardly strong, husband.
Only eight of a possible ten stars due to the slight letdown of the teacher's parting speech, and the abruptness of the ending.
Mathew Modine, inserted apparently for young appeal, does his best with his character's sympathy for his older colleague, whom he has cuckolded. Scacci does her best with the faithless wife who enjoys twisting the knife in her hapless, though outwardly strong, husband.
Only eight of a possible ten stars due to the slight letdown of the teacher's parting speech, and the abruptness of the ending.