Up the Down Staircase poster
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Up the Down Staircase

7.119672h 4mNRMovieDrama

Sylvia, a novice schoolteacher, is hired to teach English in a high school, but she’s met with an apathetic faculty, a delinquent student body and an administration that drowns its staff in paperwork. The following days go from bad to worse as Sylvia struggles to reach her most troubled students.

DirectorRobert Mulligan
WriterTad Mosel
ProducerAlan J. Pakula

Where to watch

HBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO Max Amazon ChannelHBO MaxHBO Max
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Robert Mulligan

SDSandy Dennis
Sandy Dennis
Sylvia Barrett
PBPatrick Bedford
Patrick Bedford
Paul Barringer
EHEileen Heckart
Eileen Heckart
Henrietta Pastorfield
RWRuth White
Ruth White
Beatrice Schacter
JSJean Stapleton
Jean Stapleton
Sadie Finch
SBSorrell Booke
Sorrell Booke
Dr. Bester
RPRoy Poole
Roy Poole
Mr. McHabe
FSFlorence Stanley
Florence Stanley
Ellen Friedenberg
EO
Ellen O'Mara
Alice Blake
JHJeff Howard
Jeff Howard
Joe Ferone
VC
Vinnette Carroll
The Mother
MG
Martha Greenhouse
Mrs. Kagan

More from Sandy Dennis · Lead actress

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More from Patrick Bedford · Co-star actor

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More from Robert Mulligan · Director

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Up the Down Staircase — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams Up the Down Staircase?

Up the Down Staircase is streaming on HBO Max in United States, and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is Up the Down Staircase on Netflix?

No, Up the Down Staircase is not on Netflix in United States as of September 2026. It's currently on HBO Max.

Is Up the Down Staircase on Amazon Prime Video?

Up the Down Staircase isn't included with a Prime Video subscription in United States, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video.

Where can I watch Up the Down Staircase for free?

Up the Down Staircase is available on HBO Max in United States, but you'll need an active subscription — there's no free option right now.