Stand Up Tragedy

Tom Griffin teaches Hispanic boys at a Catholic school on New York's lower east side. He tries to rescue one student: Lee Cortez, a talented artist trapped in a violent environment. Lee's home life is startlingly presented as the actor playing him also portrays his slatternly mother and his violent brother. Lee is murdered by his brother, a jealous maniac who can't stand to see him transcend the forces dragging him down. Terrific rap numbers are interspersed with the collage like scenes, providing a students' eye view of the world.