A student bleeds from a stab wound. The school psychologist goes stark raving bonkers over the ditto machine. A teacher reassuringly checks the snub-nosed .38 tucked into her briefcase. The driver's ed training car seems to be missing. Yes, it's just another Monday morning at JFK High School.

Outrageously funny, deeply dramatic and intensely human, Teachers blows the lid off of America's troubled public schools. Nick Nolte delivers an exceptional performance as a teacher burned out after years of struggling with the system. JoBeth Williams is the feisty lawyer and ex-student who awakens both his ideals and his lost ardor. As the savvy but unyielding vice-principal, Judd Hirsch is outstanding as he heads a fine supporting case including Laura Dern, Ralph Maccio, Crispin Glover, Richard Mulligan and Lee Grant.