The idea for Classic Film Club was born in my freshmen year in Civics class. My teacher, Mr. Morelock, had just introduced the political strategy the filibuster. While a lot of the students around me looked confused, I recalled the film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. I remember the passion with which Mr. Smith spoke as he tried to block a bill that would devastate his town. He refused to yield the floor and spoke for days, despite exhaustion and a failing voice, to hold the legislation at bay. I turned to one of my friends and told them that Mr. Smith was using the filibuster at the end of the film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. She had no idea what I was talking about. I’d had a similar experience when we studied juries and I mentioned the film 12 Angry Men. I realized that the students in my class would have understood the material better if they’d had more cultural knowledge.
After school, I went to my mother’s room – she’s a teacher at my school – and I told her how frustrated I was. I’d grown up watching classic film, and none of my friends could relate to anything I’d seen. Furthermore, it was actually getting in the way of their understanding. I asked mom if we could start a Classic Film Club. She agreed. Fortunately, when she went to the principal to ask about beginning the club, his administrative assistant, Mrs. Miller, was interested in helping. We had two advisors; all we needed now were students.
It turned out that attracting students wasn’t hard at all. The club has been running for almost a year now, and it averages 12-20 students for most films. Each month, we met to enjoy a new film. Our members have seen, and enjoyed, films like Arsenic and Old Lace, North by Northwest, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and Guys and Dolls. The students had such a good time, they want to meet twice a month. It looks like Mrs. Miller, my mom, and I have made the Classic Film Club a permanent addition to Milan High School.
Hailey
After school, I went to my mother’s room – she’s a teacher at my school – and I told her how frustrated I was. I’d grown up watching classic film, and none of my friends could relate to anything I’d seen. Furthermore, it was actually getting in the way of their understanding. I asked mom if we could start a Classic Film Club. She agreed. Fortunately, when she went to the principal to ask about beginning the club, his administrative assistant, Mrs. Miller, was interested in helping. We had two advisors; all we needed now were students.
It turned out that attracting students wasn’t hard at all. The club has been running for almost a year now, and it averages 12-20 students for most films. Each month, we met to enjoy a new film. Our members have seen, and enjoyed, films like Arsenic and Old Lace, North by Northwest, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, and Guys and Dolls. The students had such a good time, they want to meet twice a month. It looks like Mrs. Miller, my mom, and I have made the Classic Film Club a permanent addition to Milan High School.
Hailey