“Best In Class” highlights educator Pat Danley
Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson will show quite a few big movie stars on the big screen in May. The list includes the likes of Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Ana de Armas and Pat Danley.
No, you did not read that wrong. Along with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Polson's very own Pat Danley will be on the big screen in a movie about his life titled “Best in Class.”
The documentary film comes from the minds of David and Jessica King who have been behind a multitude of award-winning films focused on businesses and individuals all around Polson.
“We just love highlighting the human spirit and people who are positive influences,” said David King on the kind of films he aims to make.
The Kings’ newest film follows the life of a dedicated educator. Danley is a Polson High history teacher, football coach and drivers ed instructor who King described as something of a local celebrity.
Danley was initially a bit reluctant to star in the film. “I thought he was joking at first,” said Danley of his initial reaction to King’s pitch.
After some convincing and the support of PHS principal Andy Fors and head football coach Carson Oakland, Danley agreed to participate in the project.
For David King the angle of the documentary is simple: “Everyone has a favorite teacher.” And for many people over the last 25 years at Polson High that favorite teacher has been Danley.
The film captures Danley in his classroom, in the car where he instructs drivers ed, as well as at the field where he coaches football, accompanied by interviews from students past and present along with colleagues and family members.
“There’re so many other people that are interesting parts of my life and I want them to be more highlighted than just me,” said Danley.
For the film's director, it’s all these perspectives that create a fully formed image of Danley.
“The net result of capturing these dozens of elements and perspectives offers an uplifting account of the attributes that make Pat Danley the favorite teacher of so many people,” said King in a press release.
This film, however, is not just a sunshine and roses account of a well-loved teacher. “I don’t want it just to be a total puff piece … If you are going to do this it, let’s do it right,” said Danley when talking about his perspective once he agreed to do the film with the Kings.
For Polson Theater Inc. film booker Candis Harrop, playing local films like “Best on Class” is essential because the Mission Valley is home to immensely creative and impactful people.
“Best in Class” will be playing at Showboat Stadium 6 for one week, May 2-8 with a special showing on the night of May 2 at 7 p.m. that will be followed by a Q&A with members involved with the film.
Pat Danley laughs in an interview still from the upcoming film "Best in Class." (Courtesy of David King)