Jimmy Wolk in "Head of the Class"
courtesy of Hallmark Hall of Fame
“Front of the Class” (Hallmark Hall of Fame)

For its 234th presentation the Hallmark Hall of Fame has selected Brad Cohen’s story “Front of the Class.” This is the true story of a young man with Tourette’s syndrome, and how he overcame this disability to become an outstanding teacher. It is an amazing story beautifully presented, and the acting is first class all the way.

The film starts with Brad Cohen (Jimmy Wolk) looking for his first teaching job in Atlanta. He has been living in St Louis but is a big Braves fan and that team factors into his selection of that city. Plus his father and stepmother live in Atlanta. As he goes about the process of having interviews, the film reflects back to his early life before his Tourette’s was diagnosed.

At that time his teachers all thought he was just acting out and trying to be disruptive. His mother (Patricia Heaton) took him to one doctor after another trying to find just why Brad (Dominic Scott Kay) acted as he did. He was constantly twitching and making strange sounds. Finally his mother found a definition of Tourette’s in a medical book and brought it to the attention of the doctor who was currently treating Brad. It was confirmed as being the cause of Brad’s problems.

The adult Brad interviewed at school after school before he was finally hired. He was a natural teacher and one who inspired his students. This is not to say he didn’t have problems along the way but his infectious personality and strong belief in himself helped him succeed.

Wolk is amazing as the adult Brad. He incorporates the ticks and sounds into Brad’s personality in a natural way. I have met Brad Cohen and Wolk has his Tourette’s down to perfection. The same is true for Kay who plays the younger version of Brad. Both of these actors get high marks for their portrayals.

Heaton is warm and steadfast as Brad’s mother while Treat Williams has the more difficult task of showing why Brad’s father was so estranged from his son. Sarah Drew is appealing as Brad’s girlfriend Nancy.

This is one of Hallmark’s best productions in ages. It has everything going for it – top notch actors, a true story of overcoming problems, and several side touches that warm the heart. The movie is based on Cohen’s best selling autobiography FRONT OF THE CLASS and manages to capture the spirit and essence of the book in a two hour film.

Make sure that you and your family watch “Front of the Class” when it premieres on CBS, Sunday, December 7 at 8PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!