The Young Ones was light entertainment in its day and a star vehicle for Cliff Richard, who, in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, was one of Britain’s leading interpretations of American culture. Today, the film is a reminder of what Richard was before he shifted to Britain’s interpretation of Schlager, and a time capsule of London bobbies, short-lapelled ‘60s suits, colourful flared dresses, and striking mid-century set design.
The plot revolves around a West End youth club and its buzzing set of regulars, played by a pantomime cast of cockney sparrows, spirited young women, a brainy swot, and of course Cliff Richard, who, as pretty boy Nicky, delivers most lines with a cheesy mid-Atlantic cool. The gang’s fun and games are threatened when Hamilton Black, Nicky’s millionaire father, endeavours to destroy the club and build a lucrative office tower. Naturally, what follows isn’t hand-wringing political action against ‘the man’, but an all-singing, all-dancing effort to put on a show too good to shut down.
The Young Ones is a conspicuously visual film and Studiocanal’s Blu-ray release adds new brilliance to the yellow doors, green drapes, and especially the scarlet curtains, shirts, ties, trousers, phone boxes and more. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a Home Counties rose garden and the performances are loud, carefree and knowingly theatrical. It’s not a classic of the period or the genre, but it’s a frothy throwback with charming retro aesthetics.
Buy your copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GYPYBFC1
