Title: THE YOUNG LOVERS
Year of Release: 1964
Director: Samuel Goldwyn Jr.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Synopsis: Two university students discover that love is not all that is required to live an authentic existence.
Within a film history context: Movies about college students finding love have been featured from the early sound era. The first main example was Sam Wood's SO THIS IS COLLEGE (1929). Two college friends become rivals over a fellow student, but discover she is nothing but a tease, and again resume their friendship. COLLEGE HUMOR (1933), directed by Wesley Ruggles, had a similar love triangle scenario, but in this instance, a young college student is pursued by not only a fellow college football star, but also, a professor at the establishment. In David Butler's THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND (1956), a young college student has a girlfriend also in college, and does not aspire to much. After she leaves him, he fails an exam, and has to join the army, in light of his grades. Once drafted, he learns a thing or two about how to be a responsible person in this romance movie. Comedy TALL STORY (1960), directed by Joshua Logan, followed the life of a young college basketball player, and the fellow college student who uses her wiles to marry him, but their road to happiness is not a smooth one. In contrast to the earlier entries, THE YOUNG LOVERS was the most in-depth representation of college students falling in love.
Within a film history context: Movies about college students finding love have been featured from the early sound era. The first main example was Sam Wood's SO THIS IS COLLEGE (1929). Two college friends become rivals over a fellow student, but discover she is nothing but a tease, and again resume their friendship. COLLEGE HUMOR (1933), directed by Wesley Ruggles, had a similar love triangle scenario, but in this instance, a young college student is pursued by not only a fellow college football star, but also, a professor at the establishment. In David Butler's THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND (1956), a young college student has a girlfriend also in college, and does not aspire to much. After she leaves him, he fails an exam, and has to join the army, in light of his grades. Once drafted, he learns a thing or two about how to be a responsible person in this romance movie. Comedy TALL STORY (1960), directed by Joshua Logan, followed the life of a young college basketball player, and the fellow college student who uses her wiles to marry him, but their road to happiness is not a smooth one. In contrast to the earlier entries, THE YOUNG LOVERS was the most in-depth representation of college students falling in love.
It was an updated version of the 1930s movies of college students finding love, with similar romantic scenarios, but with 1960s sensibilities in terms of sexuality, and personal responsibility. The dramatic nature of THE YOUNG LOVERS allows for this, whereby the older examples were rooted in a lighter mood and feel in keeping with the censorship of the times. Aside from this, the intense focus on one particular couple also does away with the more simplistic triangles in SO THIS IS COLLEGE, and COLLEGE HUMOR. THE YOUNG LOVERS also differs from both THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND, and TALL STORY, with their emphasis on a male protagonist. In THE YOUNG LOVERS, attention floats from Eddie to Pam in the movie, giving each character sufficient airtime. While both Eddie and Pam want love and romance, the journey here is more about finding themselves, and their footing, in life. This is something tackled in THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND, with its male character's escapades highlighted, but that film is comic in its intentions rather than serious compared to THE YOUNG LOVERS. A notable take on college students and their lives, THE YOUNG LOVERS is watchable in this respect for the handling of its themes.
Overview: Samuel Goldwyn Jr. was a prolific producer who made only one film, being THE YOUNG LOVERS. His producing credits included THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN, COTTON COMES TO HARLEM and its sequel, COME BACK CHARLESTON BLUE, THE GOLDEN SEAL, MYSTIC PIZZA, STELLA, THE PREACHER'S WIFE, and THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY. He was also involved in television, producing two broadcasts of the Academy Awards, a telemovie, and a number of prime-time series. Due to the fact Mr Goldwyn helmed only one picture, this review shall concentrate upon his work on THE YOUNG LOVERS.
With reference to THE YOUNG LOVERS, Samuel Goldwyn Jr. has fashioned a sensitive exploration of two college students, their blossoming love affair, and the events which mark them in their journey. He has produced a motion picture which has a steady pace, and the ability to clearly enunciate its characters' feelings about their lives. There is a certain sincerity about this movie, and its intentions, which is creditable. It attempts to give depth to the lives of college students, and the difficulties which may be faced by them, instead of finding pat solutions to problems. By no means is the film a deep dive into social issues and realism, even though it touches upon these in the narrative. There are views on personal responsibility and family, which are always pertinent ideas for discussion. The movie provides balance by also featuring romantic scenarios and subtle comedy stretches which do relieve some of the lulls in the story. While THE YOUNG LOVERS has qualities to recommend it, there are some flaws which hinder its overall impact.
The love story between Eddie and Pam is the focal point here, but it never feels as if it is live or die for these characters. Even though there is the best attempt by both performers, and the story, to shore up interest in their romance, it does not catch fire as one would expect. The lack of chemistry between Eddie and Pam causes THE YOUNG LOVERS to seesaw in an uneven manner. What occurs is that the second leads, being Tarragoo and Debbie, come off as being much more animated and interesting than Eddie and Pam. The engaging Tarragoo, and his lively girlfriend Debbie, are the stars of the picture, their dominance making Eddie and Pam's plight rather bland in comparison. This is unfortunate, and causes the movie to lose oomph early on, from which it does not recover lost ground. The presence of Pam's mother Mrs Burns also adds drama and punch whenever she is shown, but alas, her appearances are fitful. If a better connection was present between the leads, it would have been a much better product. A satisfactory attempt to review the lives of college students, THE YOUNG LOVERS is only partially successful in its mission of being topical.
Acting: The acting in THE YOUNG LOVERS is very good, but there are two instances of miscasting which derail the movie. In the lead part of university student Eddie Slocum, Peter Fonda does an acceptable job, but the role is too static for him to shine. The same applies to his co-star, Sharon Hugueny, as Pam Burns, Eddie's other half. However much both performers try, they are stuck in limbo with a lack of chemistry not assisting them. On the other hand, Nick Adams, as Eddie's friend Tarragoo, is excellent. With his agreeable manner, gusto, tough guy attitude, and humor, Mr Adams lights up the screen whenever he is present. As Tarragoo's girlfriend Debbie, Deborah Walley is nicely-matched with Nick Adams, their pairing fun to witness. In a more serious vein was Beatrice Straight as Mrs Burns, Pam's mother. With her piercing gaze, perfect diction, and poise, Miss Straight was another great acting interpretation in the picture. The final acting which deserves mention was Malachi Throne as Professor Schwartz, Eddie's lecturer. An actor of authority, with a metalliferous voice, his Professor was on screen for way too short a duration, but, nevertheless, leaves his mark on THE YOUNG LOVERS.
Soundtrack: Sol Kaplan's score is professional, and appropriate to every scene in the movie without being overwhelming. It reinforces the quiet, slightly illicit feel which THE YOUNG LOVERS tries to achieve in its workings.
Mise-en-scene: THE YOUNG LOVERS has a good handle on its mise-en-scene. Cinematography by Joseph Biroc and Ellsworth Fredericks is clean and crisp, never becoming too dark, but is nicely measured. Fernando Carrere's production design, and the set decoration by Frank Wade, are both excellent, with the university classroom, the painter's studio, and, in particular, the Burns home, well done. Costuming by Wesley Jeffries and Rose Rockney ensures each character is different, and that their garments match their personality. Nick Adams' attire befits his role as the likeable, energetic young Tarragoo, with Beatrice Straight elegantly outfitted as the upper class Mrs Burns.
Notable Acting Performances: Nick Adams, Deborah Walley, Beatrice Straight, Malachi Throne.
Notable Acting Performances: Nick Adams, Deborah Walley, Beatrice Straight, Malachi Throne.
Suitability for young viewers: Parental discretion advised. Adult themes.
Overall Grade: C
Link: IMDB Page
