Young and Willing (1962)

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 movie role) is a somewhat rough student (the wild) at Kilminster University, who has the ability to win friends, especially the underdogs like Phil (Sir John Hurt in his introductory movie role) 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 professor's 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 movie showing a university of the early 1960s 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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Taglines:

Recommended for Mature Audiences Only

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Ian McShane received an "introducing" credit. This is his movie debut.

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Quotes

Prof. George Chown: Gilbey, do something to upset you?
Virginia Chown: No more than I deserved.
Prof. George Chown: Virginia, I understand that your infatuation with these young boys is, well, no more than a reflection of your boredom. A childish way of getting more attention from me, perhaps. But I do have a position here. I'd appreciate it if you spent less time with the children and more with the grown-ups in the living room.
Prof. George Chown: [she takes a drink and he takes the glass from her] Perhaps you're right; you've already had too much.
Virginia Chown: Mostly too much of this ...

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Connections

Referenced in The Final Reel (2016)

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Soundtracks

18th Variation on a Theme by Paganini
Written by Sergei Rachmaninoff
Solo piano played by Edward Rubach

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.

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 Productions, The Rank Organisation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White