The Ron Clark Story
| The Ron Clark Story | |
|---|---|
 The Ron Clark Story | |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Randa Haines |
| Starring | Matthew Perry |
| Theme music composer | Mark Adler |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) |
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| Cinematography | Derick Underschultz |
| Editor(s) | Heather Persons |
| Running time | 96 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network | TNT |
| Original release | August 13, 2006 |
The Ron Clark Story (also known as The Triumph in Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Sweden and the Philippines) is a 2006 television film starring Matthew Perry, that premiered on TNT on Sunday, August 13, 2006. Based on the real-life educator Ron Clark (Perry), it centers on a teacher from a small town who moves to New York City to make a difference in the lives of his students. The film was sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.
The film received largely positive reviews, with particular praise going to Perry's portrayal. It was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie for Perry. Additionally, Perry was also nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe Award.
Plot
The Ron Clark Story follows the inspiring tale of an energetic, creative and idealistic young teacher who leaves his small North Carolina hometown to teach in a New York City public school. Through his passionate use of special rules for his classroom, highly innovative teaching techniques and an undying devotion to his students and helping them cope with their problems, Clark is able to make a remarkable difference in the lives of his students. For one young girl trying to attend school while helping to raise her 3 siblings, he offers a chance for her to overcome her situation and become the top student of the class. For a young man with a penchant for graffiti, he offers an ideal outlet for artistic expression. Even when he is almost overcome by pneumonia, Clark continues to work with his students, hoping that he can raise their test scores to an acceptable level, or possibly even higher.
However, when Clark returns, he finds out his class did not deliver the goods but he remains optimistic about their chances. The kids sit in the state exams and a few weeks later, Clark takes the kids to see Phantom of the Opera. In the end, Principal Turner reveals that Mr. Clark's class got the highest average (they got a higher score than the honor class) in the school and Clark was regarded by his students as their best teacher.
Cast
- Matthew Perry as Ron Clark
- Brandon Mychal Smith as Tayshawn
- Hannah Hodson as Shameika Wallace
- Micah Stephen Williams as Julio
- Ernie Hudson as Principal Turner
- Melissa De Sousa as Marissa Vega
- Patricia Idlette as Devina
- Jerry Callaghan as Ron Clark, Sr.
- Marty Antonini as Howard
- Patricia Benedict as Jean Clark