The film is about a ruthless teacher who is assigned to become the principal of a decaying inner-city school.
‘Lean on Me’ is a 1989 American biographical drama film directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Morgan Freeman. It was written by Michael Schiffer and directed by John G. Avildsen. It is based on the true story of Joe Louis Clark, a real-life inner-city high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey, whose school faces state government receivership unless students improve their test scores on the New Jersey Minimum Basic Skills Test. The title of this film is a reference to the song of the same name by Bill Withers, which is featured in the film. Parts of the movie were shot in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, including the primary school scenes.