The New Teacher
The New Teacher

Movie spotlight

The New Teacher

1939
Movie
103 min
Russian

A young teacher comes to work in his native village, plans to build a new school. The arrival of the teacher causes confusion in the soul of the young neighbor Agrafena Shumilina.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Leo McCareyGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A kind but naive young woman, Mary, inherits a country schoolhouse and decides to become its teacher, despite having no formal training. She struggles to manage the unruly children and the skeptical townsfolk, including the stern school board president. When a new superintendent arrives, Mary must prove her worth and win over the community before her job is jeopardized.

Critical Reception

The New Teacher received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics praised Harpo Marx's signature physical comedy and his unexpected warmth in the role, often carrying the film. While some found the plot somewhat predictable, the performances, particularly from Marx and Lucille Ball in an early role, were generally well-regarded, making it an enjoyable, if lightweight, comedic effort.

What Reviewers Say

  • Harpo Marx delivers his usual brand of charming, silent comedy.

  • Lucille Ball provides a delightful early performance.

  • The film offers a heartwarming story with some predictable plot points.

Google audience: Audience reception for The New Teacher is not widely documented in a quantifiable way through Google Reviews, but general sentiment suggests appreciation for its lighthearted comedy and the charm of its lead actors.

Fun Fact

This film marked one of Lucille Ball's earliest significant roles before her rise to superstardom in television.

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