Young People (1940)

51% of users liked it
(332 ratings)

"Over the hill" at the tender age of 12, Shirley Temple closed out her 20th Century-Fox contract with the musical seriocomedy Young People. After years of trodding the boards in vaudeville, Wendy Ballantine (Temple) and her adoptive parents Joe (Jack Oakie) and Kit (Charlotte Greenwood retire) to a… More "Over the hill" at the tender age of 12, Shirley Temple closed out her 20th Century-Fox contract with the musical seriocomedy Young People. After years of trodding the boards in vaudeville, Wendy Ballantine (Temple) and her adoptive parents Joe (Jack Oakie) and Kit (Charlotte Greenwood retire) to a small town so that the youngster can receive a proper upbringing. Alas, the town is full of Babbitt-like bigots who disapprove of "show people", and who make no secret of their desire that Wendy and her family leave town immediately. But when a dangerous storm arises, the courage of Wendy, Joe and Kit-coupled with their rescue of several stranded children-forces the townsfolk to realign their thinking and welcome the family into their fold. The best moments in Young People occur at the very beginning, wherein Shirley Temple literally grows up before the audience's eyes via filmclips from her earlier starring vehicles (watch how Jack Oakie suddenly turns into James Dunn-from the waist down-in a musical number lifted from 1934's Stand Up and Cheer). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 18 min.
Directed By: Allan Dwan
Written By: Edwin Blum, Don Ettlinger
Genres: Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 30, 1940 Wide
On DVD: Apr 22, 2008

Critic Reviews

Michael E. Grost, Classic Film and Television
Interesting musical about liberal young people in revolt against small town conservative economics; good direction by Allan Dwan.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Sarah P

I liked this one a lot. Although Shirley still had dead parents in this one, she never knew it because she was adopted when still a baby and was in a cute little showbiz family. The way they clash with the narrow-minded small town folk could just as easily happen in a lot of places… More
I liked this one a lot. Although Shirley still had dead parents in this one, she never knew it because she was adopted when still a baby and was in a cute little showbiz family. The way they clash with the narrow-minded small town folk could just as easily happen in a lot of places today!

Cast

            Shirley Temple as Wendy

            Jack Oakie as Joe Ballantine

            Charlotte Greenwood as Kit Ballantine

            Arleen Whelan as Marilyn

            George Montgomery as Mike Shea

            Kathleen Howard as Hester Appleby

            Minor Watson as Dakin

            Frank Swann as Fred Willard

            Frank Sully as Jeb

            Mae Marsh as Marie Liggett

            Sarah Edwards as Mrs. Stichfield

            Irving Bacon as Otis

            Charles Halton as Moderator

            Arthur Ayleswofth as Doorman

            Olin Howard as Station Master

            Billy Wayne as Stage Manager

            Harry Tyler as Dave

            Darryl Hickman as Tommy

            Shirley Mills as Mary Ann

            Diane Frances Fisher as Susie

            William Benedict as Boy

            Evelyn Beresford as English Woman

            Mary Gordon as Old Woman

            Dell Henderson as Eddie's Father

            Olin Howland as Station Master

            Ted North as Eddie

            Sid Saylor as Vaudevillian

            Robert "Buddy" Shaw as Usher

            Bob Anderson as Jerry Dakin
See full cast

Young People (1940)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Sarah P

Cast