The Young Philadelphians (1959)

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Blistering performances.

We begin with a prologue. In 1924, poor lower-class Diane Brewster (as Kate Judson) marries wealthy upper-crust Adam West (as William "Bill" Lawrence). On their honeymoon, he says, "I can't love you, Kate, I can't love anyone!" Apparently, he can't have sex. She goes crying to working class Brian Keith (as Michael "Mike" Flanagan), who she previously rejected as too poor, and becomes impregnated by him, instead. Though Mr. Keith wants to marry widow Brewster, she wants her son to grow up with the advantages of the "Lawrence" name. It doesn't make a lot of sense, but that's the back-story...Jumping to the present, we find Princeton class of 1947 student Paul Newman (as Anthony "Tony" Lawrence) working for Keith's construction company, while studying to become a lawyer. One of Mr. Newman's co-workers has fender-bender with beautiful Barbara Rush (as Joan Dickinson). Newman sides with Ms. Rush, probably because she is prettier than "big ape" Leonard Bremen, and they fall in love. However, Rush's upper-crust father John Williams (as Gilbert Dickinson) doesn't approve of lower-class Newman. Yes, this is a soap opera, revolving around the protagonist's climb to the top...Watch for Newman's alcoholic roommate and best friend Robert Vaughn (as Chester "Chet" Gwynn) to steal the movie. Taking center stage for the film's last, and most engaging, story, Mr. Vaughn received "Best Supporting Actor" consideration for his performance. The delightful Billie Burke entertains as a millionaire avoiding taxes, attractive Alexis Smith offers Rush some competition, and Richard Deacon makes a strong impression as a booze-sniffing butler. This probably should have been titled "The Young Philadelphian" (singular) as it is mainly about the character played by Paul Newman.******* The Young Philadelphians (5/21/59) Vincent Sherman ~ Paul Newman, Barbara Rush, Robert Vaughn, Richard Deacon

Paul Newman at his best in this 1959 film dealing with a young lawyer's climb to the top and the woman who abandoned him for family considerations-he wasn't part of their social circle.After achieving social status, Newman discovers who his father really is, as he is becoming involved in defending a friend accused of murder.Barbara Rush is very good as the war widow who knew she made a mistake in spurning Paul and Robert Vaughn turned in an Oscar nominated supporting performance as the friend, who lost an arm in battle and came home as an alcoholic, accused of murder, he is being written off by this family. You feel Vaughn's torment, especially in the prison scenes. In a year that Hugh Griffith copped the coveted Oscar for "Ben-Hur," consideration certainly should have been given to Vaughn, if not Ed Wynn's memorable characterization in "The Diary of Anne Frank."Billie Burke, as the wealthy dowager looking to save on her taxes, was phenomenal here. With that high-pitched voice, I thought I was back with her 19 years before when she portrayed Glinda, the good witch, in "The Wizard of Oz."This film of love, social status and family intrigue, is quiet good.

2/3 of this movie is very good. Nothing profound but enjoyable in much the same way as the also-Newman starring "From The Terrace". Especially enjoyable is the always enjoyable Billie Burke (if you haven't seen it, catch the marvelous "The Young In Heart"). Then...it devolves into a pedestrian court room drama. The ending is never in doubt and just getting there is a slow slog. This is no slight on Richard Deacon, who does well with his role as a fussy butler. There just isn't enough interest in what happens. The key plot point on whether Newman will do something to endanger his career is just diluted to the point of indifference. The movie simply needed a better ending. Otherwise, there's nothing offensive here and nothing to tax the brain. Amongst the cast, John Williams stands out in my eyes. Robert Vaughn got the Oscar nomination for one chew-the-scenery scene that left me unmoved. So, I'd skip this one and stick with "Terrace"

Possible spoilers withinThis is a simple story about a man that has to choose between his principles and his career. The movie concists of this choises all the way through. This stands clear after 10 minutes of the movie. However it is intresting to follow Paul Newmans progress throughout the movie. He plays the naive youth then the experienced succesful Lawyer with some skelletons in his closet. Pretty much what this film did to his career.