Step into the whimsical world of 1950s Hollywood with “Too Young to Kiss,” a delightful romantic comedy from 1951, now beautifully colorized for a viewing experience like never before. This film, directed by Robert Z. Leonard, delivers a charming blend of humor, romance, and musical talent as it follows the lengths one aspiring pianist will go to catch her big break. Perfect for classic film enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of Golden Age Hollywood’s lighter fare, this HD download brings a star-studded piece of cinematic history to your screen.
“Too Young to Kiss” follows the story of Cynthia Potter (June Allyson), a talented pianist desperate to catch the eye of busy concert promoter Eric Wainwright (Van Johnson). When Wainwright proves too preoccupied with his current roster to give her an audition, Cynthia hatches an audacious plan. Learning that Wainwright is auditioning young musicians for a children’s concert tour, the 20-something Cynthia disguises herself as her own fictional 14-year-old sister, “Molly Potter.”
Donning a childish outfit complete with ribbons, a short skirt, and even fake braces, Cynthia-as-Molly wows Wainwright with her prodigious talent. Immediately taken with the young “prodigy,” Wainwright signs her to a contract and becomes determined to nurture her career. As Cynthia juggles her dual identities, she finds herself falling for the caring and protective Wainwright, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and close calls.
The film cleverly plays with the developing relationship between Wainwright and “Molly,” walking a fine line between paternal affection and romantic interest that keeps audiences both amused and slightly uncomfortable. As Cynthia’s deception grows more complicated, she must find a way to reveal her true self to Wainwright without losing his admiration – both professional and personal.
“Too Young to Kiss” features a talented ensemble of Hollywood favorites:
June Allyson as Cynthia Potter/Molly Potter
Van Johnson as Eric Wainwright
Gig Young as John Tirsen
Paula Corday as Denise Dorcet
Kathryn Givney as Miss Benson
Larry Keating as Danny Cutler
Hans Conried as Mr. Sparrow
Esther Dale as Mrs. Boykin
“Too Young to Kiss” is a romantic comedy that blends elements of music, farce, and light-hearted romance. Its exploration of identity, ambition, and the sometimes absurd lengths people will go to achieve their dreams makes it a quintessential example of 1950s Hollywood comedy.
Released in 1951, “Too Young to Kiss” represents the height of Hollywood’s Golden Age, when romantic comedies were a staple of studio output. The film showcases the star power of June Allyson and Van Johnson, frequent on-screen partners who were known for their chemistry and appeal to post-war audiences.
The premise of an adult woman masquerading as a child, while potentially problematic by modern standards, was not uncommon in films of the era. It allowed for both physical comedy and the exploration of changing social dynamics between men and women in the workplace and romantic relationships.
This colorized version of “Too Young to Kiss” has been meticulously restored using state-of-the-art digital techniques. The process involved carefully analyzing the original black and white footage and assigning appropriate colors to each scene, bringing new life to the 1950s fashions, set designs, and the vibrant world of classical music performances.
The colorization enhances the visual appeal of the film’s comedic set pieces, from Cynthia’s exaggerated “little girl” outfits to the elegant concert halls where she performs. It allows modern viewers to fully appreciate the film’s production design and costume work, which were integral to selling the story’s central deception.
Director: Robert Z. Leonard
Screenplay: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Based on: a story by Everett Freeman
Cinematography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Edited by: Conrad A. Nervig
Music by: Johnny Green
Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by: Loew’s Inc.
Runtime: 91 minutes
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
“Too Young to Kiss” was a commercial success upon its release, earning 164% of its budget at the box office. Critical reception was mixed, with some praising the chemistry between Allyson and Johnson and the film’s light-hearted approach, while others found the premise somewhat far-fetched.
The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction (Black and White), recognizing the work of Cedric Gibbons, Paul Groesse, Edwin B. Willis, and Jack D. Moore. June Allyson won a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her dual performance as Cynthia/Molly.
Today, “Too Young to Kiss” is appreciated as a charming example of 1950s romantic comedy, showcasing the talents of its leads and the polished production values of MGM during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Q: Is “Too Young to Kiss” based on a true story?
A: No, the film is based on an original story by Everett Freeman, though it plays with common romantic comedy tropes of the era.
Q: How does the colorized version enhance the viewing experience?
A: The colorization brings out the vibrant 1950s fashions and set designs, making the film’s visual comedy and romantic elements more engaging for modern viewers.
Q: Who are the main stars of “Too Young to Kiss”?
A: The film stars June Allyson as Cynthia/Molly Potter and Van Johnson as Eric Wainwright.
Q: Is there actual piano playing in the film?
A: While June Allyson does appear to play in some shots, it’s likely that a professional pianist provided the more complex performances.
Q: How long is the movie?
A: The runtime is 91 minutes.
Experience the Charm and Comedy of “Too Young to Kiss” Today!