Acting Is the Art. This 1971 film shows an African-American acting teacher teaching a basic acting class to a group of 4th and 5th grade African-American students. He plays acting games with them to draw them out, then helps them to create and act out short stories that they make up themselves. This is a charming and realistic film that really puts you into this situation. I’m not sure of the economic background of these children, but they seem to me to likely come from poor backgrounds (that may just be my stereotype, though). This passionate teacher may be providing them with their only experience of being encouraged to tell their own stories. I believe this must have had positive effects on them. Anyway, it’s fun to watch these ordinary kids being encouraged to use their imaginations and what they come up with when they do. Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: N/A. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: ****.