Conrack is a 1974 American drama film based on the 1972 autobiographical book The Water Is Wide by Pat Conroy, directed by Martin Ritt and starring Jon Voight in the title role, alongside Paul Winfield, Madge Sinclair, Hume Cronyn and Antonio Fargas.

[5] Nora Sayre of The New York Times wrote that "despite Mr. Voight's skill, the teacher's character never jells... Another weakness is the glaze of sentimentality that sugars much of the narrative.

"[6] The review in Variety stated, "Its computerized warmth may make 'Conrack' seem a bit self-congratulatory at times, but at least its creative participants deserve outsiders' congrats for translating hokum into potentially viable b.o.

"[8] Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times wrote, "Conrack has Voight's commanding characterization as its center, and those kids, and a strong visual sense throughout.

"[9] Gary Arnold of The Washington Post called it "an unusually decent and appealing adventure, a commercial entertainment that also reflects the best of human and social intentions.

"[10] John Raisbeck of The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote "With its lingering long shots, Conrack is a constant visual delight; but for all its craftsman-like virtues, it seems a conscious turning aside from the complexities of modern cinema to the simpler alternatives of yesteryear.

Indeed, with underprivileged white children instead of black and Greer Garson substituting for Jon Voight, the film might have been made all of thirty years ago.