The George McKenna Story is a 1986 biographical television film directed by Eric Laneuville, which stars Laneuville's St. Elsewhere co-star Denzel Washington and Lynn Whitfield.[1] It involves the events at George Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles. The film was later (after Denzel Washington became a superstar) re-released on video under the title Hard Lessons.[2]
| The George McKenna Story | |
|---|---|
_Film_Poster.jpg) Film poster made for re-release under the title Hard Lessons | |
| Genre | Biography Drama |
| Written by | Charles Eric Johnson |
| Directed by | Eric Laneuville |
| Starring | Denzel Washington Lynn Whitfield |
| Music by | Herbie Hancock |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Howard Lipstone |
| Producers | Linda Otto Jerram A. Swartz (associate producer) |
| Production location | Houston |
| Cinematography | Isidore Mankofsky |
| Editor | Robin Wilson |
| Running time | 93 minutes |
| Production company | Landsburg Company |
| Original release | |
| Network | CBS |
| Release | November 11, 1986 |
Cast
- Denzel Washington as school principal George McKenna
- Lynn Whitfield as Bobbie Maxwell
- Earl Billings as Mr. Rogers
- Ray Buktenica as Alan Keith
- Akosua Busia as Cynthia Byers
- Richard Masur as Ben Proctor
- Michael Milburn as Brimm Leader
Reception
The George McKenna Story won a Christopher Award in the category of "Television Specials".[3]
At Rotten Tomatoes the film received two negative reviews from critics.[4]
