User Reviews

It's clear from how it's filmed to the topics and manner they were discussed that this was intended to be an educational film about sex. Putting that fact aside, it's actually surprising how this film manages to portray relatable characters. Unlike most other educational short films that were made, the characters react to their situation in a realistic way, if not a little bit more conservative (films don't tend to accurately portray teenagers a lot, especially in films trying to educate teenagers on how to act.) The characters Mary and Jeff are wholesome and lovable, it's not hard to root for them.

Though I personally find the film enjoyable, there are still a few faults that are clear products of their time. The way her friends talk about their Eileen, their classmate and friend who had dropped out after becoming pregnant, is a bit comedic as they talk about her as if she's dead. However, as a film from the conservative time of the late 50's, I was still shocked at more progressive takes, such as the open and mature conversation about sex and how both parties take responsibility for their mistakes.

Overall, I'd say the film is heart-warming, with the romantic scenes between Mary and Jeff still being my favorite and the reason why I keep coming back to watch it over again.

Teenager Mary has strong physical yearnings for her boyfriend, so she asks her mom for advice on how to get a handle on said carnal cravings. Since this is one of clunkily sincere classroom scare films that were so popular and prevalent in the 1950's, the subject matter is handled with an amusing mixture of overwrought melodrama and utmost heavy-handed earnestness. For example, there's a nice heart to heart conversation between mother and daughter on the need to use sound judgment and making sure one's emotions work for instead of against you that comes across as genuine and spontaneous. However, the segment on the plight of unhappy adolescent married couple Eileen and Fred is so histrionic that it registers as laughable rather than poignant, with the miserable fate of tired and overworked Fred supplying some choice moments of unintentional campy hilarity (Eileen boasts that he's pleased with his dead-end job while footage of Fred passed out on the couch contradicts her claims). An interesting look at the conservative mores of the period.