An unconventional New England prep school teacher inspires his students with poetry and encourages them to embrace life. Academy Award Nominations: 4, including Best Picture, Best Actor--Robin Williams, Best (Original) Screenplay. Academy Awards: Best Original Screenplay.

Budget estimate $16.4 million.

Color by DuArt.

Shot on location at St. Andrew's School in Middletown and New Castle, Delaware.

Began shooting November 14, 1988; Completed shooting January 15, 1989.

Released theatrically in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto June 2, 1989; Wide release in USA June 9, 1989.

Released on video March 28, 1990.

Shown at the 1989 Venice Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival.

Rated BBFC PG by the British Board of Film Classification.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case

Distributor Notes: Dead Poets Society

Academy Award(R)-winner Robin Williams delivers a brilliant performance in one of Hollywood's most compelling and thought-provoking motion pictures. Williams portrays passionate English professor John Keating who, in an age of crew cuts, sports coats, and cheerless conformity, inspires his students to live life to the fullest, exclaiming ... "Carpe Diem, lads! Seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary!" This charistmatic teacher's emotionally charged challenge is met by his students with irrepressible enthusiasm -- changing their lives forever. Magnificently directed by Peter Weir (THE TRUMAN SHOW), DEAD POETS SOCIETY earned unparalleled praise among audiences and critics alike. Discover for yourself what all the cheering's about!

Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Robin Williams: American actor/comedian
Robert Sean Leonard: American Actor
Ethan Hawke: American actor, REALITY BITES, TRAINING DAY
Josh Charles: American Supporting Actor
Gale Hansen: American Supporting Actor
Dylan Kussman: American Supporting Actor
Allelon Ruggiero: Supporting Actor
James Waterston: Supporting Actor
Norman Lloyd: American Character Actor
George Martin: American Supporting Actor
Kurtwood Smith: Star, HARD SCRAMBLED (2006)

Peter Weir: Director/Screenwriter

Tom Schulman: 

"...[Williams's performance] pulls together Peter Weir's mystical paean to youthful spirit..." -- Rating: B
"...[Williams gives an] exceptionally fine performance....Some very good performances from the younger actors [as well]..."
"...[The film has] a gorgeous look and smashing rhythms....THE DEAD POETS SOCIETY commands respect and affection..."