Mary (
Melissa Sue Anderson) lands a teaching job in an isolated rural community ruled by religious zealot Miss Peel (Anita Dangler). Declaring that education is the tool of Satan, Miss Peel rallies the townsfolk in opposing the school, going so far as to spread malicious lies about Mary. As it turns out, however, Miss Peel's violent opposition to book learning stems from a shameful secret -- shameful to her, that is. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide