The story of James Garfield, who rose from obscurity to become America's 20th President — and Charles Guiteau, the man who assassinated him.

Five underprivileged students from inner-city London win scholarships to an elite boarding school and find themselves in an unfamiliar world.

Over one intense day, the devoted head teacher of a last-chance reform school strives to keep his students in line while facing pressures of his own.