A. S. Neill founded Summerhill in 1921 on the belief that children should have complete freedom. This look at the famed British progressive school today raises the question: Is Summerhill a model of progressive education or an enactment of Lord of the Flies? The Getzels focus on group sessions in which, indeed, it appears that the children are learning self-direction at the expense of targeted individuals. But is life in public school any less vicious? Are Summerhill's children a microcosm of a decaying sense of caring in our society, or are they at least given an opportunity to grow through cruelty to kindness? The film does not propose to answer the questions it raises. Neill's widow, still part of the Summerhill community, notes that Summerhill isn't a very pleasant environment at the moment, and throws a challenge out to the kids that is meant for everyone: take responsibility and do something about it.