Dead Poets Society

A closer look at the story

In the 1950s, Welton Academy is a respected but stifling New England boarding school known for its discipline and devotion to tradition. From his very first lesson, the newly appointed English teacher John Keating stands squarely against that order. He tells his students to rip pages out of their textbooks, to break away from conventional thinking and to live each day to the full, and he introduces them to poetry and great literature. Keating's passion helps many of his pupils discover their own voices and dreams. But his unorthodox methods do not escape the notice of the stern headmaster, Nolan, and the school's governors. Peter Weir directs Tom Schulman's script in this 129-minute 1989 film, which stars Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard and Ethan Hawke in an inspiring drama.