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      The Young Philadelphians

      Released May 30, 1959 2h 16m Drama LGBTQ+ List
      71% Tomatometer 7 Reviews 81% Audience Score 500+ Ratings Tony Lawrence (Paul Newman) inherited his late father's name but not his fortune. His single mother (Diane Brewster) pushes Tony towards upward mobility. He studies law and postpones marriage to his sweetheart, Joan (Barbara Rush), to further his career. The higher he climbs on the social ladder, the less ethical Tony grows, poaching a client (Billie Burke) and seducing his boss' wife (Alexis Smith). When called to defend an old friend (Robert Vaughn), Tony is caught in a moral dilemma. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

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      Critics Reviews

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      A.H. Weiler New York Times The trials and tribulations of the rich, like those of the poor, can be undramatic. Rated: 2/5 Mar 25, 2006 Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine The sudsy flavor of old-fashioned daytime serials is often prominent in this overlong high-society drama but the job is done with a lot of skill throughout. Oct 28, 2019 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Paul Newman gives a strong performance in Vincent Sherman's glossy melodrama about a young, cynical, ambitious man, born on the wrong side of the tracks but determined to change his lot. Rated: B Nov 26, 2008 Full Review TV Guide Based on a very popular novel, the film is a competent but undistinguished adaptation that breathes only through the presence of its dynamic star. Rated: 3/4 Jun 17, 2008 Full Review Steve Crum Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers Smart drama featuring Paul Newman in early role. Rated: 3/5 Jul 6, 2006 Full Review Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Classy soapsuds with a cast that's better than the movie. Rated: 3/5 May 19, 2006 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

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      David K This film starts out very much in the Hollywood soap opera/melodrama mode. But, with such a terrific cast led by Paul Newman and Mr. Napolean Solo himself, Robert Vaughan, in a great turn as a discarded heir who loses an arm in Korea. Adam West (Batman) plays in his first film role as the wealthy, impotent husband to the lovely Barbara Rush. And Richard Deacon (Dick Van Dyke's Mel Cooley) takes a decisive turn as a hostile witness, in the fabulous trial sequences which catapult the film in its' final third out of the melodrama mold. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/28/23 Full Review CodyZamboni Movie is essentially a soap opera, with terrific performances, smart dialogue, featuring a very suspenseful trial. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/28/23 Full Review steve d Strong performances and a great story. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member The best courtroom movie ever made! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review ashley h The Young Philadelphians is an amazing film. It is about young lawyer Anthony Lawrence who faces several ethical and emotional dilemmas as he climbs the Philadelphia social ladder. Paul Newman and Babara Rush give fantastic performances. The screenplay is well written. Vincent Sherman did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama. The Young Philadelphians is a must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review s r Melodramatic, yet interesting to see Philadelphia's social aspect back in the day. The courtroom scene was good. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Tony Lawrence (Paul Newman) inherited his late father's name but not his fortune. His single mother (Diane Brewster) pushes Tony towards upward mobility. He studies law and postpones marriage to his sweetheart, Joan (Barbara Rush), to further his career. The higher he climbs on the social ladder, the less ethical Tony grows, poaching a client (Billie Burke) and seducing his boss' wife (Alexis Smith). When called to defend an old friend (Robert Vaughn), Tony is caught in a moral dilemma.
      Director
      Vincent Sherman
      Screenwriter
      James Gunn, Richard Powell
      Distributor
      Warner Bros. Pictures
      Production Co
      Warner Bros.
      Genre
      Drama, LGBTQ+
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      May 30, 1959, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Apr 1, 2012
      Runtime
      2h 16m
      Most Popular at Home Now