The Young Philadelphians (1959)

A promising lawyer tries to handle his social and professional problems while climbing the ranks in Philadelphia.

Director:

Vincent Sherman

Writers:

James Gunn (screenplay), Richard P. Powell (novel) (as Richard Powell)

Stars:

Paul Newman, Barbara Rush, Alexis Smith

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Paul Newman	...	Anthony Judson Lawrence
Barbara Rush	...	Joan Dickinson
Alexis Smith	...	Carol Wharton
Brian Keith	...	Mike Flanagan
Diane Brewster	...	Kate Judson Lawrence
Billie Burke	...	Mrs. J. Arthur Allen
John Williams	...	Gilbert Dickinson
Robert Vaughn	...	Chester A. Gwynn
Otto Kruger	...	John Marshall Wharton
Paul Picerni	...	Louis Donetti
Robert Douglas	...	Uncle Morton Stearnes
Frank Conroy	...	Doctor Shippen Stearnes
Adam West	...	Bill Lawrence
Anthony Eisley	...	Carter Henry (as Fred Eisley)
Richard Deacon	...	George Archibald

Storyline

Up and coming, young lawyer Anthony Lawrence faces several ethical and emotional dilemmas as he climbs the Philadelphia social ladder. His personal and professional skills are tested as he tries to balance the needs of his fiance Joan, the expectations of his colleagues and his own obligation to defend his friend Chester on a murder count.

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Plot Keywords:

male objectification | tank top | man wearing a tank top | murder | lawyer | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Pennsylvania's personal property tax on corporations not doing business in Pennsylvania, the basis for Tony Lawrence "stealing" Mrs. Arthur Allen as a client, was ruled unconstitutional in 1998 (Annenberg v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania).

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Goofs

At the very end of the film when Paul Newman and Barbara Rush are walking out of the courtroom they're holding each others backs and in the next shot they're holding hands.

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Quotes

[At Chet Gwynn's murder trial, Anthony Lawrence sets up a demonstration to test butler George Archibald's ability to name a type of liquor by smelling it]
George Archibald: [Sniffing a glass] It is Royal Tartan Scotch. Unmistakable. Rich heavy bouquet with a definite aroma of peat smoke.
Anthony Judson Lawrence: [Hands him another glass] Now, the third glass.
George Archibald: This is water, sir. There is no smell, except perhaps for a faint touch of chlorine, which the city puts in its drinking water. I trust you weren't trying to trick me into identifying...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Mästarnas match - Ingo vs. Floyd (1959)

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Soundtracks

When Irish I eyes Are Smiling
(uncredited)
Music by Ernest Ball
Lyrics by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff
sung by Brian Keith and unidentified actress

User Reviews

Young Lawyers.

Vincent Sherman directed this long but interesting drama that stars Paul Newman as Anthony Judson Lawrence, an ambitious young man in Philadelphia society who rises from construction foreman to law school student with a good offer of employment that is interrupted by the Korean War, which sees Tony distinguish himself even more. After his discharge, he resumes his successful career, finding love along the way. There is a sad development when old friend(and fellow war veteran) 'Chet'(played by Robert Vaughn) has fallen on hard times, now an alcoholic accused of murder, and wanting Anthony to defend him, despite his inexperience... Despite the potential simple soap opera story, this is a well acted and written film that is surprisingly interesting. Glossy but entertaining.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 May 1959 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Philadelphian

Filming Locations:

First Presbyterian Church, Glendale, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

136 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1