Notes on a Scandal

You might not have even heard about the movie title before, but Notes on a Scandal is a great cinematographic adaptation of the novel (by Zoe Heller) which shares the same title. It was nominated for a 2006 Academy Award, and features Judi Dench as Barbara, the lonely old woman and Cate Blanchett as Sheba, the scandalous and notorious mother-cum-teacher. Both of them are Academy Award winners, which could be told by watching how the two ladies portrayed their roles fantastically in the film.

In just a few words, the story lies between the unusual friendship between Barbara and Sheba who works in the same school as teacher. Barbara's a big failure in sustaining friendship, which explains her loneliness and singlehood. Sheba, on the other hand, has a family but bonds well with Barbara (at first). how ever, Barbara soon finds out the dark secret of Sheba, who unintentionally and helplessly indulged in adultery with one of her student of Year Eleven. Barbara advised her to stop the relationship due to jealousy and legislations. Nevertheless, things didn't turn out the way they expected it to be, and when Barbara needed the companionship of Sheba, she wasn't there for her. Subsequently, she went all cuckoo and crazy and therefore, she revealed the scandal to another teacher, hoping that Sheba will learn her lesson.

I have to say, it's a pretty good movie. With a one of a kind story to tell, it's a great joy to watch the movie. ****

After watching the movie, I went to look for a few real cases on this particular issue. So, lets look at a few examples of teachers turned offenders which I found on the net. All I found were cases where the teachers are female. Rather difficult to look for any male cases, as no links were found.

Teacher: Mary Kay Fuulaau (January 30, 1962)
School: Shorewood Elementary School
Age: The first time - She (28), He (8)
The second time - She (33), He (13)
Punishment: 7 years in prison

Teacher: Karen Louise Ellis (1967)
School: Nil
Age: She (36), He (15)
Punishment: 2 years and 8 months in prison
Service of a minimum 6 months



Teacher: Debra Lafave (August 28, 1980)
School: Angelo L. Greco Middle School
Age: She (25), He (14)
Punishment: House arrest for 3 years
Probation for 7 years
Note: She was given a house arrest because she actually claimed that she's too pretty...



Teacher: Bridget Mary Nolan (1981)
School: Unidentified school in Riverland, South Australia
Age: She (24), He (15)
Punishment: Imprisonment for 2 years and 4 months