Catherine Hicks played Hoover Junior High principal Dr. Emily Rappant .
In the television version , Jack Warden portrayed former minor - leaguer Morris Buttermaker , the coach of the Hoover Junior High Bears , a sorry bunch of youthful misfits and bumblers .
Catherine Hicks played Hoover Junior High Bears     principal Dr. Emily Rappant .
In the television version , Jack Warden portrayed former minor - leaguer Morris Buttermaker , the coach of the Hoover Junior High Bears , a sorry bunch of youthful misfits and bumblers .