AllMovie

Mel Stuart's documentary The Hobart Shakespeareans shows how one talented teacher is changing the lives of his at-risk students by exposing them to great literature and mathematics. Rafe Esquith teaches fifth-grade in a dangerous section of Los Angeles. In addition to engaging the children in Shakespeare, he makes sure his students understand the importance of self-respect and hard work. The film builds to a climax that fins the students performing Hamlet with the assistance of such famous actors as Ian McKellen and Michael York.