“School Days, School Days” is just around the corner. Do you remember a favorite teacher or one who made you see the world somewhat differently? The film, “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” tells the story of a high school music teacher who takes the job as a temporary measure. Thirty years later he is still there, teaching in the same school. This delightful movie will be shown on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison Street, Morrison, IL. Come and reminisce about your school days as you view this wonderful film. There is no charge.
Glenn Holland dreams of becoming a noted composer; however, bills must be paid. Teaching, for him, is just a way to earn some money to get ahead. He realizes gradually that it is, in fact, his real destiny.
Holland and his wife Iris are a young couple filled with ambition, but financial realities make him take a teaching job. The hard-edged Principal views him as a man for whom teaching has no seriousness. The high school in a small town outside of Portland, OR, desperately needs a music teacher. At his first meeting of the orchestra, he finds they play very badly. His work is cut out for him!
Meanwhile, the Hollands have a baby son whom they discover is deaf. Glenn takes it personally that his son will never hear his great composition, his opus.
Year follows year as the characters live through the events of three decades, including Vietnam, Kennedy’s assassination, and the never-ending measures to cut music classes. Mr. Holland argues with school boards and Principals that the electives of music, art, and drams are as important as sports.
There are many touching moments in the film, as students begin to believe in themselves and Mr. Holland. The community values him, and most importantly, he recognizes that teaching high school musicians is his great opus.