The Young Philadelphians (1959)

Director:

Vincent Sherman

Writers:

James Gunn (screenplay)
Richard Powell (novel)

Release Date:

30 May 1959 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Guilty secrets. Shocking scandals. All in a day's work for on Philadelphian lawyer.

Plot:

Up and coming, young lawyer Anthony Lawrence faces several ethical and emotional dilemmas as he climbs the Philadelphia social ladder...

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Lawyer | Wrong Side Of The Tracks | Trial | Melodrama

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 2 nominations

Cast

Paul Newman	...	Anthony Judson Lawrence / Narrator
Barbara Rush	...	Joan Dickinson
Alexis Smith	...	Carol Wharton
Brian Keith	...	Mike Flanagan
Diane Brewster	...	Kate Judson Lawrence
Billie Burke	...	Mrs. J. Arthur Allen, Owner Allen Oil Co.
John Williams	...	Gilbert Dickinson
Robert Vaughn	...	Chester A. 'Chet' Gwynn
Otto Kruger	...	John Marshall Wharton, Partner in Wharton / Biddle / Clayton Law Firm
Paul Picerni	...	Louis Donetti
Robert Douglas	...	Uncle Morton Stearnes
Frank Conroy	...	Doctor Shippen Stearnes
Adam West	...	William Lawrence III
Anthony Eisley	...	Carter Henry (as Fred Eisley)
Richard Deacon	...	George Archibald

Also Known As:

The City Jungle (UK)

Runtime:

136 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

UK:A | UK:PG (video: 1995) | Canada:14A (video rating) | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | USA:Approved (PCA #19198) | West Germany:16 | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Will Rogers State Historical Park - 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Barbara Rush replaced Natalie Wood who was put on studio suspension for refusing the role.

Quotes:

Anthony Judson Lawrence: This isn't very conducive to sensible thinking. I better go back before...
Joan Dickinson: I don't want sensible thinking!
Anthony Judson Lawrence: Neither do I.

" I guess I'm not as good or as bad as I thought I was "

Building a Hollywood resume as outstanding as he did, actor Paul Newman selected roles which in one way or another tapped his enormous talent. This movie is a prime example of that legendary persona. The Film is called " The Young Philadelphians " and is the story of Anthony Judson Lawrence (Paul Newman) who is born into an upper social class family. Although raised as an up and coming Laurence, his mother Kate (Diane Brewster) and father (Brian Keith) keep from him a dark family secret which involved his biological father (Adam West). Having graduated from a prestigious Ivy league school, believes he can contribute to his family name. However ambitious he is, there are several outside influences which seek to bar his success. There is a young lady (Joan Dickinson) whom he wishes to marry, but who's father (John Williams) is against it. Then there are the In-laws who believe Lawrence's mother is a disgrace by fathering an illegitimate child. In addition, there are faltering friends like Chester Gwynn (Robert Vaughn) who calls on him when charged with murder. Then there are influential millionaire friends like Mrs. J. Arthur Allen (Billie Burke) who is impressed with Lawrence's ability to succeed when put in real jeopardy. This happens when he is chosen as defense counsel for his friend Chester in a real life drama which endangers his family, his friends and himself if he should fail. All in all, this is one film not to be missed by fans of Paul Newman. The end result is another milestone and a definite Classic for his career. ****