Using Amitai Etzioni's (1961) sociological model as a basis for analysis, the paper examines the relationship between central student characters and their chief reference group or significant other(s) in the schools as portrayed in three films: "If" (1969), "Child's Play" (1972), and "Educating Rita" (1983). Two variables are employed: the kind of power used over the students and the students' involvement or orientation toward the people or system wielding this power. Following a theoretical background describing the various types of power and compliance structures presented in Etzioni's model, each film is analyzed separately. The paper also warns educators against taking compliance structures of the school or classroom for granted and suggests that educators (1) do not rely solely on coercive means to gain student compliance since conformity is purchased at the price of student alienation from the educator and all he/she represents, thereby preventing the internalization of the affective portions of the curriculum, (2) take heed of the student social system and its potential power over the behavior of its members, and (3) do not stray from the professional role of the educator who places student's welfare above his/her own. Teachers who confuse personal social goals with professional goals present students with conflicting expectations for performance, and may undermine the very objectives they are employed to attain. (LH)