Up the Down Staircase [DVD]

It's hard to believe this role wasn't written for Sandy Dennis. Of course, the film is derived from the classic book about an idealistic young teacher on her first job, confronted with street-wise students in her first year.This movie was the first I'd ever seen with Sandy Dennis. I was in 7th grade when it was released, and all the friends I had saw it with me. We all agreed that it was more 'realistic' than "To Sir With Love" which we also went to see. I was captivated by Ms. Dennis's quirky looks and personality. Of course, this was long before VCR's, so all one could do was watch for new releases, which I did. Unfortunately, Ms. Dennis didn't release anything else that came to our small town before I left high school. I didn't forget her, though.When I recently purchased this movie, and a reprint of the book, it had been over 20 years since I'd watched it. Of course, styles and mannerisms have changed enormously since this movie was released. However, the basic personalities of the actors' parts haven't changed. There certainly is a universality in all the main parts. The guidance counselor, for instance--didn't so many of us know one like this, who seemed to lose the true purpose of the job in a wave of psychological jabber? Jean Stapleton was superb in her part as the school secretary, wrapped up in endless silly forms and paperwork, yet with a respect for the 'artistic' English teacher/writer that motivated her to falsify his time. Of course, the unusual personal acting quality that was Sandy Dennis plays off of all these others, in that familiar-yet-distant manner that she mastered.Thirty-five years on, I find I still prefer this movie to "Sir", because it is less saccharin. Not saccharin at all, as a matter of fact. I wish it were on DVD, but am happy to be able to get it on VHS rather than not at all. The video transfer is satisfactory, not great. For wide-screen fans, this isn't.Could this movie be remade today? Doubtful, even if a decent cast could be found. Teenagers have become more sophisticated and if anything, more cynical. As have so many teachers. Enjoy this movie for what it was, and still is.

I recently stumbled across Sandy Dennis in an episode of The Fugitive in Season one. Sandy was just so stunningly attractive in her prime. She was literally captivating. Based on that episode of The Fugitive I looked up some Sandy Dennis movies. I found "Up The Down Staircase" and "The Fox". I just watched "Up The Down Staircase" last night. The movie was a delight. The movie was so seamless and well acted to where I felt like I was watching a tv show. To know that this show was only a movie was the real disappointment of it all. I wanted more. In 1967 when "Staircase" came out I was only four years old. So I obviously saw this movie, or parts of it, later as an older child. Whatever the case the seeds of Sandy Dennis's BEAUTY was planted in my mind long ago. And Ms. Dennis, who never married, was a lot more than just physical beauty, she could act as well. I am looking forward to seeing "The Fox" as well. In this latter movie Dennis lives with another woman in a cabin. One of them dies at the end when a tree falls on her. The plot is slyly of a man coming between two women who were probably in love. The fox was sort of symptomatic of something being wrong in this relationship, or that it couldn't or probably wouldn't work out. The cancer in this relationship started as a fox who was killing chickens. The cancer later became a man. Call it what you want to but the movie was about a man coming between two women sort of ending a lesbian love affair. Sadly though it doesn't seem that there are a lot of Sandy Dennis movies with the actress in a leading role. In the case of simple romance movies I'd have to say those aren't that entertaining to me. Anyway, check this movie out because Sandy Dennis is a delight.

Based on the popular book of the same name by Bel Kaufman, this movie is a mostly faithful adaptation. It stars Sandy Dennis as Sylvia Bennett, an idealist first year teacher at a public high school in New York via 1960s. As one may expect, the students are rowdy, loud, involved in gangs, etc. If that wasn't enough, Miss Bennett must also navigate the mine field that is the administration and its specialized language or pedagese such as "may that be a challenge unto you," "please keep all circulars on file, in their order," and of course going "up the down staircase." As a science teacher who had his first year experience in a public high school, this movie (and book) tells it exactly as it is, revealing the thoughts of students and teachers alike. This movie will seem dated but the message it provides is timeless. If you have read the book, then you should see this movie. It changes the order of events from the book but not terribly. For anybody wondering what it's like to be a first-year teacher, watch this movie.

I thank God for this great story of a beginning high school teacher with a B.A. and an M.A. I think it was fiction. Sandy Dennis did a great job and showed how even an ordinary person might be a responsible, effective and strong influence on a tough assignment.I thought the writing might show a somewhat common, sort-of rebellious view of America society and culture with predictable jibes and innuendo. However, I think it was nevertheless valuable and the development grew climatically. It was exciting.The testimony concerning a dear, dear girl who jumped from a window after expressing her distressing love for her teacher and being rebuffed had a definite effect on me that I think was very good and it did show a greater intensity of good writing than I had seen earlier in the movie.Sandy Dennis was portrayed as a heroine, and I think she was. The young male student who she south to reach indicated that she seemed to show an undo and perhaps provocative interest in him. He certainly misbehaved (in a measure), but I think her portrayed character did show a lapse in her heroic wisdom.I did read the book and see the movie, I think, about forty years ago.

Sandy Dennis, and story-telling at its best!

Among my favourites! I' m so glad to have it! A cult that deserves a great place in the history of movies. All the elements that attract me are there: the second half of the 60s in New York, school, teachers, headteachers, crushes. Sandy Dennis immerses in the role so convincingly: through her looks we perceive her deepest feelings. Very little seems to have changed in 50 years. To be watched over and over again.

you need to be patient with this one. no car chases. nice story. nice actress. a little plodding and predictable but well acted