We all know that movies need to distort the truth for dramatic purposes, however I went to George Washington High School in the 70's (Class of 79) It was nothing like this movie. We weren't animals, fighting, selling & using drugs. This school produced several police officers, at least two pro baseball players and animator Bruce Smith (BeBe's kids, The Proud Family)
shareSurprise surprise..thought it was based on a real story maybe different location though..
shareWas this movie supposed to represent what happened in the 70's? I was under the inpression that it took plae during the early 80's.
shareThat's what I thought that it took place in the 80's. If it were in the 70's maybe it took place right before you got there, which is why the school was better. Although, like someone else posted it could have been a different school. Who was your principal when you went?
shareIt is fascinating to get your perspective. However, there was most likely still gangs and drug violence. I think the point of the film was to exaggerate to get the point of creating a college preparatory school out of a bad situation. They probably did Hollywood it up based of your account.
shareWell were you there when McKenna was there? If not, was it before or after him?
shareWell, I went there from 83-86 while Mr McKenna was still principal and I can say that it was very much the culture there. The movie also was filmed during my time at the Washhouse and Mrs Launeville was like a second mom, who is actually the mother of the director and fellow St. Elsewhere actor Eric Launeville. We also had multi-talented gratuates there... Michael Saulsberry(Portrait), Candyman, Yo-Yo, Sir Jinx, WC, Johnny J Jackson, Shatasha Williams, actors, pro ball players, cartoonists, fashion designers, movie directors and many more. Due to Mr. McKennas sternness and general concerns for his students (as depicted in the movie) a lot of us turned out better than we would have otherwise! I don't know of what the school was like prior to my attending, but it was definitely full of everything pictured in the movie when I went there. Thanks to all the contributing staff at Washhouse 83'-86'... Coach Carter, Mrs. Launeville, Mr. McKenna, Mrs Harris, Mrs. Johnson & all others that slips my memory at this time. I will always recommend this film to the youths I encounter.
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