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Drama. By Anne Coulter Martens. Based on the book by Jesse Stuart. Cast: 12m., 15w. (bit parts and extras.) Jesse Stuart, who created both this story and The Thread That Runs So True was an articulate force in education. While Thread comes out of his youthful teaching experiences, Gallion is a more sophisticated challenge. This play, inspired by his later work, explores the complex problems of young people in the 60's.
The play begins when Mr. Gallion stops for a brief look at the high school where years ago he was the principal. He is held there, however, by the shock of the encounter with some rowdy young people, and the sense that this school to which he once gave so much of life, is facing real diffuculties. What is even more disturbing, is that he sees a young man, with obvious potential for advancement, telling his protesting girlfriend that he is dropping out. At this moment, Gallion is recognized, and as the school is presently without a principal, he is asked to come out of retirement and once more join the battle. Gallion finds this challenge irresistible, and he accepts. In doing so, he walks into far more excitement than he bargained for!
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