43. Superintendent, Tom Leonard, Demands Justice After Barrington 220 Heist in "Leonard's Lament"

Outraged, Dr. Tom Leonard is demanding justice after a heinous prank pulled at Barrington 220 headquarters in a new film based on a true story and produced by students at Barrington High School.

Dr. Leonard Demands Justice - Scene from "Leonard's Lament" — Dr. Tom Leonard Seeks Justice – Scene from Leonard’s Lament

The 10-minute mystery, called Leonard’s Lament, was written, filmed, edited and produced by students, Matt Weidner, Peter Chung, Abe Solberg and Catherine Goetze under the direction of 238 Studios teacher, Jeff Doles. Leonard’s Lament stars Dr. Leonard and a range of school administrators and staff as actors.

Board Room Bust - Scene from "Leonard's Lament" — Board Room Bust – Scene from “Leonard’s Lament”

Narrated by Barrington 220 Chief Communications Officer, Dr. Jeff Arnett, the drama unfolds as chilling new details are revealed, ultimately culminating with a jaw-dropping twist.

Dr. Arnett Narrates - Scene from "Leonard's Lament" — Dr. Arnett Narrates – Scene from “Leonard’s Lament”

The story begins with a rare snapshot into the daily life of Dr. Leonard as we learn more about an object he prizes above all others, a gift he received one Christmas from the staff at Barrington High School.

Scene from "Leonard's Lament" — Scene from “Leonard’s Lament”

When that gift is abducted from his office, Dr. Leonard delivers the performance of a lifetime as he fights to find the culprits and avenge the crime.

Dr. Leonard Freaks Out - Scene from Leonard's Lament — Dr. Leonard, Outraged! – Scene from “Leonard’s Lament”

Determined to bring justice to the perps, Dr. Leonard assembles a team of investigators. With their leading piece of evidence in hand, a ransom note, they scour campuses around Barrington for clues.

Dr. Leonard's Team of Investigators - Scene from Leonard's Lament — Dr. Leonard’s Team of Investigators – Scene from “Leonard’s Lament”

Our review is that Barrington High School’s film department and teacher, Jeff Doles, impress, in yet another feat of creative filmwork. Leonard’s Lament is just the latest in a series of student-produced films starring Barrington 220 administrators showing support for the creative work encouraged by 238 Studios at Barrington High School.

The student team behind Leonard’s Lament started working on the film last fall and the project took about five months for them to complete.

BHS Film Teacher, Jeff Doles, with Leonard's Lament Creators & Production Team — BHS Film Teacher, Jeff Doles, with Leonard’s Lament Production Team

We asked them what they learned through the process and here’s what they had to say:

“It just taught me that we have to work together and listen to other people and collaborate with one another to come up with a really solid idea and make it happen.”
– Matt Weidner, Leonard’s Lament Director of Photography/Assistant Editor & Barrington High School Senior

“It was pretty neat to work so closely with all of the school administrators with whom we don’t normally have contact. I learned about the importance of collaboration and persistence and I’m super proud of the final results.”
– Abe Solberg, Leonard’s Lament Writer & Barrington High School Senior

“I learned that working with a bunch of different people is very rewarding in the long term. I got a lot out of seeing the final product and I think it’s one of the best projects our school video department has produced so I’m very impressed.”
-Peter Chung, Leonard’s Lament Director and Editor & Barrington High School Junior

To see more films produced by Barrington High School Students, CLICK HERE to follow 238 Studios on YouTube, CLICK HERE to follow Barrington 220 on YouTube or visit 238TV.com.

Now back to the drama at hand. Leonard’s Lament is a whodunit mystery, the likes of which you’ve never seen in Barrington 220. You will laugh. You will cry. And some say it’s better than Cats! Enjoy…