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October 30, 2012

So there’s another movie out there that pits a great teacher against the system, only this one is set in rural South Carolina and it’s based in the 1960s, not today. At the end, after imparting wisdom and knowledge, Mr. Conroy gains the support of parents but the scorn of the administration, which doesn’t understand people out of step with the status quo, despite his success. In the end, the teacher tells the island’s parents — who learned to appreciate him and value education — that they are now in charge of their children’s education. “Never Back Down,” he says. “Never Back Down.” See, the theme is indeed universal. Thank you, Hallmark Hall of Fame, for creating “The Water is Wide” and check it out when you have a chance.