Too Young to Kiss(alsoAll Too Young)[1]is a 1951 American[2]comedy film[3]fromMetro-Goldwyn-MayerstarringVan JohnsonandJune Allyson.The film, in which the 34-year-old Allyson's Cynthia Potter masquerades as a 14-year-oldchild prodigy,wasdirectedbyRobert Z. Leonard.
| Too Young to Kiss | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Robert Z. Leonard |
| Screenplay by | |
| Story by | Everett Freeman |
| Produced by | Sam Zimbalist |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Joseph Ruttenberg |
| Edited by | Conrad A. Nervig |
| Music by | Johnny Green |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Loew's Inc. |
Release date |
|
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Budget | $1.4 million |
| Box office | $2.3 million |
Themonaural,black-and-white film[1]clocks in at 91 minutes long.[4]In theatres,Too Young to Kissearned164% of itsbudget,and received mixed critical reviews.
Plot
editCynthia Potter is a skilledpianisttrying to catch the eye ofconcert promoterEric Wainwright. Wainwright, however, is currently only looking for young talent. To meet his criteria, Potter (in her 20s), masquerades as her own fictional younger sister, a 14-year-old "Molly" Potter. Wainwright is captivated by Molly's skills, and as the two work together, Wainwright develops a paternal affectation towards the young performer, while Potter cultivates an incompatibleromanticattraction to the promoter.[2]
Credits
editCast
edit- June Allysonas Cynthia Potter
Allyson (34) playing Cynthia (20s) playing Molly (14) - Van Johnsonas Eric Wainwright
- Gig Youngas John Tirsen
- Paula Cordayas Denise Dorcet
- Kathryn Givneyas Miss Benson
- Larry Keatingas Danny Cutler
- Hans Conriedas Mr. Sparrow
- Esther Daleas Mrs. Boykin
- Jo Gilbertas Gloria
Source:The New York Times[5]
Crew
edit- Robert Z. Leonard-film director
- Frances Goodrich-screenwriter
- Albert Hackett- screenwriter
- Sam Zimbalist-film producer
- Frederick de Cordova- film director
- Everett Freeman- story author
- Joseph Ruttenberg-cinematographer
- Conrad A. Nervig-film editor
- Johnny Green-music director
Source:The New York Times[6]
Reception
editAt thebox office,Too Young to Kissearned US$2.3million on abudgetof $1.4M (equivalent to about $27M and $16.4M respectively in 2023).[7]
TheSpartanburg Herald-Journalreported thatToo Young to Kisswas critically acclaimed.[3]Hal Ericksondescribed the film as "fluff", and noted that despite retreading 1942'sThe Major and the Minor,Frances GoodrichandAlbert Hackett'sscriptwritingkept the material "fresh and funny throughout".[2]On a four-star scale,Leonard Maltinrated the film at 2.5 stars, calling Allyson's Potter "fetching".[4]The New York Times'Bosley Crowtherhowever, was unimpressed with Allyson and Johnson's adolescent antics and the excessivesuspension of disbeliefrequired.[8]
Awards
editFive people who worked onToo Young to Kisswere nominated for film awards, with only Allyson winning hers.[9]
| Award ceremony | Date | Category | Nominee | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9th Golden Globe Awards | February 21, 1952 | Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical | June Allyson | Won |
| 24th Academy Awards | March 20, 1952 | Best Black and White Art Direction |
|
Nominated |
Release
editToo Young to Kisspremiered in New York on November 22, 1951, and was distributed byLoew's Inc.[1]In 2015, the film was available onDVD.[4]
References
edit- ^abc"Too Young to Kiss (1951) - Overview - TCM.com".Turner Classic Movies.Archivedfrom the original on October 16, 2017.RetrievedMarch 27,2019.
- ^abcErickson, Hal."Too Young to Kiss (1951) Overview".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon November 10, 2012.RetrievedMarch 26,2019.
- ^ab"'Let's Talk Shop' with Polly ".Spartanburg Herald-Journal.December 2, 1951. p. C9.
- ^abcMaltin, Leonard(2015) [2005]. Green, Spencer; Edelman, Rob; Scheinfeld, Michael; Weaver, Tom (eds.).Classic Movie Guide(3rd ed.).Hudson Street:Plume.p. 725.ISBN978-0-14-751682-4.
- ^"Too Young to Kiss (1951) Full Acting Credits".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon November 10, 2012.RetrievedMarch 26,2019.
- ^"Too Young to Kiss (1951) Full Production Credits".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon November 10, 2012.RetrievedMarch 26,2019.
- ^Mannix, Eddie,Eddie Mannix Ledger,Margaret Herrick Library
- ^Crowther, Bosley(November 23, 1951). "THE SCREEN IN REVIEW; 'Too Young to Kiss,' With Jane Allyson and Van Johnson, Opens at Music Hall".The New York Times.Arthur Hays Sulzberger.ISSN0362-4331.OCLC1645522.
- ^"Too Young to Kiss (1951) Awards".The New York Times.Archived fromthe originalon November 10, 2012.RetrievedMarch 26,2019.
External links
edit- Too Young to KissatAllMovie
- Too Young to Kissat theAFI Catalog of Feature Films
- Too Young to KissatIMDb
- Too Young to Kissat theTCM Movie Database
Media related toToo Young to Kissat Wikimedia Commons
