This made-for-TV drama was based on the true story of George McKenna (played by Denzel Washington in one of his first leading roles), an educator in Los Angeles who faced the greatest challenge of his career when he was named Principal of George Washington Memorial High School. Located in a run-down inner-city neighborhood, Washington High was being torn apart by gang violence and drug dealing, and much of the student body seemed more interested in surviving the day than in learning. McKenna was determined to make Washington High a safe place where students could get a quality education which would allow them to go to college if they so desired, but he soon realized he was facing an uphill battle, having to deal not only with gangs and delinquent students, but apathetic teachers and parents too busy or unconcerned to help in the education of their kids.

Starring:

Denzel Washington, Lynn Whitfield, Debra Artis, Edna Auguillard, Billy Jaye Banner, Earl Billings, James Bowman, Ray Buktenica, Akosua Busia, Alexander Byrd, Virginia Capers, Gregg Dandridge, Kim Davis, Travis Davis, Blue Deckert

Genre:

Biography, Drama