School is in conflict - over a banned book!
             Who ever heard of a literary classic being banned from school? Well, that's just what happens at the George Mason High School when a small group of parents and students brand Huckleberry Finn as racist, sexist and immoral, and persuade the principal to remove it from the library shelves. But that's just the beginning of the story: soon the book's future becomes a burning issue, as parents, students and teachers rush to take sides. Readers too will find plenty to agree and disagree with in this provocative and witty portrait of a community in conflict
             Based on the book by Nat Hentoff the film brings the issues of freedom of speech and censorship into clear focus. Gordon and Barney are longtime friends who share many things, but not an appreciation of Mark Twain's HUCKLEBERRY FINN. Introduced to the book in their history class, Gordon is angered by the use of the word "n*gger" and refuses to read the story, and ultimately to remain in the class if the book is to be used. Emotional lines are drawn and campaigns mounted, pro and con. The furor that ensues exposes the subtle program of censorship the principal has undertaken to appease different individuals and groups. Revealed. too, is the reason for the school librarian's unexplained leave of absence, and the unexpected alliances censorship can create. Barney and Gordon find the strength of their friendship tested, but, more importantly, the viewer is given the opportunity to participate in a balanced rendering of the issue that is fundamental to America's concept of itself, freedom of speech.
             Who would have believed that The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn could cause the worst crisis in the history of George Mason High School? Certainly not Barney Roth, editor of the school paper. But when a vocal group of students and parents decide that the book is racist, sexist, and immoral, and should be removed from reading lists and ...