Dick Clark plays Neil Hendry, a new, idealistic history teacher at Harrison High School. His career as a football player went by the wayside when he was injured in a car accident that took the lives of his brother and sister-in-law, leaving their only son in his custody.
Neil not only wants to teach his students history, but help them in their lives and relationships. But this is not the way things are done at Harrison, so every time he steps in to help one of his students he risks being fired.
There are several young 1960’s actors appearing in the film: Warren Berlinger, Doug McClure, Michael Callan, Tuesday Weld and James Darren who plays himself.
Naughty vs. Nice
As in all schools, there are the two different groups – the good and the bad. And there is a gang from a competing school that threatens to disrupt their high school dance.
Even before the sexual revolution of the 1960s, sex was always part of teenagers’ lives, and these teens are no exception. They face the ultimate decision of will they or won’t they?
Hendry meets and falls in love with the principal’s secretary Joanne (Victoria Shaw) who stands by him but also cautions him about getting too close to his students.
A Compassionate Teacher
Neil Hendry is a compassionate man and teacher. He really feels like he can be a positive influence to his students.
You could think of this movie as a concoction of To Sir, With Love, Welcome Back, Kotter, and Room 222. All of these shows have something in common. They all have an idealistic teacher who wants to do more than teach their students about their scholastic subjects.
Turning teens into responsible adults is at the heart of this story.
The Cast of Because They’re Young
While it is strange to see Dick Clark in a setting other than American Bandstand, he does a fine job acting in his role.
James Darren sings the title song at the high school dance. The song was one of his hits of the day. Duane Eddy also makes a cameo appearance with Duane Eddy and the Rebels singing at the school dance.
Review of Because They’re Young
For the time (1960) this was a typical film about the kids of the era. Looking back it is definitely dated, and although Dick Clark does a fine job acting, he isn’t in the category of some of the actors who play his students.
I would say this is an interesting look at the time, the social mores and society.
Because They’re Young is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered at their website.
- Because They’re Young (1960)
- Studio: Columbia Pictures/Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
- Running time: 98 minutes
