The Bedford Incident

1965 drama directed by James B. Harris starring Richard Widmark, Sidney Poitier.

Tense Cold War cat and mouse game between all-business U.S. Navy captain and the Russian submarine he is stalking in North Atlantic waters. Poitier is a reporter assigned to the ship whose opinions differ greatly from the captain's. Film builds tension in the chase and also in the interaction of the characters on the ship.

Elements of The Enemy Below, Caine Mutiney, and Crimson Tide, but well worth seeing. Suspenseful.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058962/

Blackboard Jungle

1955 film directed by Richard Brooks stars Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, Vic Morrow, and Sidney Poitier.

Hard hitting film about a New York City teacher who has to deal with the frustrations of the job as well as the delinquent youths who populate the school. Dramatic and harrowing at times. Still has something to say today considering the state our our inner city schools.

Look for a young Vic Morrow, and Sidney Poitier as gang members...one incorrigible, one with a chance at redemption.

An interesting note: this was the first film to ever feature rock and roll in its soundtrack, making Bill Haley's Rock Around the Clock a huge hit.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047885/