Stories about inspirational teachers have enraptured critics but generally fared poorly with the public. This tear-jerking and lengthy example, previously (more effectively) titled 50 Violins, stars a finger-perfect Meryl Streep as a wife and mother who, deserted by her husband, decides to resuscitate her career as a violin teacher. Rejected at first by headmistress Angela Bassett because of her lack of school experience, Streep worms her way in by showing the head how well the sons she has taught play, and is soon bullying and cajoling her multi-racial charges into becoming skilled violinists. The film should end with their triumphant concert and it's unfortunate for its dramatic structure that the story goes on (and on) when Streep's programme is axed 10 years later.