Head of the Class

Head of the Class was an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network. It followed a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program (IHP) at the fictional Millard Fillmore High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore (Howard Hesseman). Hesseman left the series in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly (in his first major American production) as teacher Billy MacGregor for the 1990-1991 season.

Mission to Moscow

In 1988, Head of the Class broke new ground as it became the first American sitcom to be filmed in the former Soviet Union. The episode was entirely filmed in Moscow, and without a laugh track (one was added in when the episode hit syndication).

Related Topics:
Soviet Union - Moscow

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The IHP is invited to come to the country for a rematch of the academic meet than happened in the first season (which ended in a tie). The class has a lot of experiences while in Moscow: Dennis and Arvid take interest in two beautiful women, until they realize they might be KGB spies; Eric meets up with his relatives in what is a very positive experience for him; Capitalist Alan has an argument with a die hard socialist in a store (who is also on the opposing Russian academic team); Sarah and Darlene decide to record the sights and sounds of Moscow; Simone goes to put flowers on a poet?s grave and meets up with a charming Russian musician; Dr. Samuels believed the Russian?s bugged his room, but just ends up making a fool of himself; and Charlie has a brief romance with a school teacher.

Related Topics:
KGB - Capitalist - Socialist

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The IHP eventually wins the meet and the respect of the Russian team. The episode concludes with both teams attending a concert in Gorky Park swaying to the song ?Faraway Lands? (written and performed by American David Pomeranz and Russian rock star Alexander Manilin).

Related Topics:
Gorky Park - David Pomeranz - Alexander Manilin

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