Check out ExxonMobil Masterpiece Theatre's American Collection website at pbs.org for additional teacher information

The Song of the Lark
A review by Jonathan Fairman, Cleveland School of the Arts, Cleveland, Ohio

The EXXONMOBIL MASTERPIECE THEATRE production of The Song of the Lark, will involve your students in many different discussions.   My students and I were transported to a different time and observed how the artists of the day dealt with the problems of artistic growth, cultural expectations, and artistic freedom while watching and listening to beautiful music sensitively performed. 

Who would have thought that a film adaptation of Willa Cather's story, The Song of the Lark could be so special?  I previewed the program with two different groups of students – ninth and tenth grade students who had no other exposure to Willa Cather and 11^th and 12^th grade students who had previously studied American Literature.  The harshness and intensity of  Colorado life disturbed them.  The shots of city and country were believable.  The entire production caused my students to suspend disbelief and become part of the production.  They shouted at the screen when they disagreed with the actions of a character.  They talked at length, exploring the relationship between the characters – Herr Wunsch and Thea, Thea and Ray, Dr. Archie and Thea, while these relationships were being displayed and after the day's viewing. They questioned the strictness of Thea's parents and marveled at how Thea's teachers could pull the artist out of the student.

Viewing the film was a memorable experience for my students and I am sure it will be one for yours.  Be prepared for an enjoyable teaching experience.