AllMovie

Based on a true-story, this touching, inspirational drama follows an idealistic, upper middle-class Ivy Leaguer as he temporarily shelves his plans for law school to teach at an inner-city mission school. He signs on for one year. His first day is real culture shock for the genteel fellow, as he has never known the intense poverty, violence and hopelessness that pervades the students' lives. The hopelessness is contagious, and most of the staff and even the school headmaster don't seem to care what happens to the kids out of school. Still the young volunteer is determined to help at least one. He gets his chance when he befriends one bright, talented boy. Despite all outside resistance, the two forge ahead to ensure the lad a good future.