The Young Philadelphians *** (1959, Paul Newman, Barbara Rush, Alexis Smith, Brian Keith, Billie Burke, John Williams, Otto Kruger, Robert Vaughn) – Classic Movie Review 4637

Director Vincent Sherman’s soapy 1959 novel-to-film transfer The Young Philadelphians is trashy but very polished and compulsive, with a lot of plot to fill the long 136 minute running time. It was nominated for three Oscars.

Paul Newman stars as poor, illegitimate Tony Lawrence who meets socialite Joan Dickinson (Barbara Rush) whose father (John Williams) helps him to become a corporate lawyer. When she marries another, Newman gets ambition and looks to success as the best revenge. But his political career is endangered when a rival threatens to expose his illegitimacy.

The youthful Newman’s Method acting is hugely watchable, though it is hardly his finest hour in the movies. But among the slew of fascinating performances, young Robert Vaughn is outstanding and was Oscar-nominated for Best Supporting Actor as the drunken soldier buddy Chester whom Newman defends on an unjust murder charge. The acclaim Vaughn received for this role changed everything in his career.

Cinematographer Harry Stradling Sr was nominated too for Best Cinematography Black-and-White, as was Howard Shoup for Best Costume Design, Black-and-White. James Gunn’s screenplay is based on Richard P Powell’s novel The Philadelphian.

Also in the cast are Alexis Smith, Brian Keith, Billie Burke, Otto Kruger, Diane Brewster, Paul Picerni, Robert Douglas, Frank Conroy, Adam West, Anthony Eisley, Richard Deacon and Murray Alper.

RIP Robert Vaughn, who died on 11 November 2016, aged 83.

RIP Adam West, who died on 9 June 2017, aged 88.

The Young Philadelphians [The City Jungle] is directed by Vincent Sherman, runs 136 minutes, is made and released by Warner Bros, is written by James Gunn, based on Richard P Powell’s novel The Philadelphian, is shot in black and white by Harry Stradling Sr, is scored by Ernest Gold and Ray Heindorf, and is designed by Malcolm C Bert.

The 92-year-old Barbara Rush attended the film’s 60th Anniversary Screening for a Q & A on 7 August 2019 in Santa Monica at Laemmle’s Royal Theatre in Los Angeles.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4637

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