GOOD TIMES/BAD TIMES

by James Kirkwood ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1968

In the form of a long letter of explanation to his lawyer, young Peter Killburn explains why he made headlines--""Headmaster Brutally Slain by Student."" He is totally engaging. Hs story is not totally believable which is the fatal flaw in this otherwise involving, articulate tale. The good times came with the arrival of Jordan Legier, older and very very wise, both cynical and compassionate because of his own frailty, a bad heart. Between the two of them they livened things up at Gilford Academy with clever stunts, zany conversation. But all of this distresses Headmaster Franklyn Hoyt who has taken more than a liking to Peter, a very lovable boy. He's a tennis stand-out and when called upon to perform, he turns a disastrous juxtaposition of Hamlet and the Glee Club into fine farce. Mr. Hoyt becomes increasingly jealous of his friendship with Jordan whom he views as ""a degenerate"" while simultaneously making his own frequently unsubtle advances. Finally he catches the two (innocents) in bed together and gives Jordan a beating that may have caused his death. Peter attempts to run away but Mr. Hoyt catches up with him and.... One wonders how the monstrously aberrant Mr. Hoyt could have maintained his cool at a boy's school all these years prior. This triangle needs a more persuasive third angle.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1968

Categories: FICTION