Young and Willing (1962)
"The Wild and the Willing" (original title)

University students form relationships and perform pranks with disastrous consequences all round.

Director:

Ralph Thomas

Writers:

Laurence Doble (play), Nicholas Phipps,

Stars:

Virginia Maskell, Paul Rogers, Ian McShane

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Virginia Maskell	...	Virginia Chown
Paul Rogers	...	Prof. George Chown
Ian McShane	...	Harry Brown
Samantha Eggar	...	Josie Stevens
Katherine Woodville	...	Sarah Phillips
David Sumner	...	John Agincourt
John Hurt	...	Phil Corbett
John Standing	...	Arthur
Johnny Briggs	...	Dai Hawkins
Johnny Sekka	...	Reggie
Jeremy Brett	...	Andrew Gilby
Charles Kay	...	Edgar Tibbs
John Barrie	...	Mr. Corbett
Megs Jenkins	...	Mrs. Corbett
Victor Brooks	...	Fire Chief

Storyline

Harry Brown (Ian McShane in his introductory film role) is a somewhat rough student (the wild) at Kilminster University, who has the ability to win friends, especially the underdogs like Phil (John Hurt) who doesn't play 'rugger' and can't sink a whole pint of beer, and African student Reggie (Johnny Sekka). He also has a way with the girls (the willing), one of whom is his professors wife, who likes the students, but also her comfortable life with her boring husband more. After Harry is rebuffed, he takes up the challenge to hang a banner from the dangerously crumbling University tower. The rather weak Phil insists on being part of this escapade. This is a rather interesting film showing a University of the early 60s as a melting pot where many different rungs of society meet, and its message is still relevant today.

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Plot Keywords:

university | based on play

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 August 1963 (Finland)

Also Known As:

Young and Willing

Filming Locations:

Bishop Grotteste College, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Betty E. Box-Ralph Thomas Productionfs, Rank Organisation, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ian McShane receives an "introducing" credit. This is his film debut.

User Reviews

The film is unimportant but the "first time" actors are.

I saw some of this film being shot around Lincoln Cathedral, an area not condusive to great film making. The film is important because of the debut of three future stars. Firstly the brigadier's daughter Samantha Eggar (older half sister of the also beautiful Toni) who went onto fame in The Collector and, for U.S. audiences, Dr Dolittle. Faded from view pretty quickly. Secondly Ian McShane who has had a long career, more in the U.K., but has been in some U.S blockbuster miniseries. He is also known to A&E audiences for his portrayal of a lovable, rascally antique dealer in the hilarious "LoveJoy'series. Last but certainly the best known is John Hurt who has proven himself in the International cinema as a highly respected actor and star. Don't watch the film watch the people.