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The Young Philadelphians (The City Jungle) (1959)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 5.5/10
Reviews Counted: 6
Fresh: 4 | Rotten: 2

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.9/5
User Ratings: 533

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Movie Info

Something of an urbanized, upscale version of Peyton Place, Vincent Sherman's The Young Philadelphians is a glossy adaptation of Richard Powell's bestselling novel The Philadelphians that revels in melodrama. The film opens strongly, with a lengthy 1924 prologue. Socialite Kate Lawrence (Diane Brewster) jilts impoverished lover Mike Flannagan (Brian Keith) in favor of wealthy William Lawrence (Adam West). On their wedding night, William drunkenly announces that he's impotent and commits suicide

Unrated, 2 hr. 20 min.

Drama, Classics

Directed By: Vincent Sherman

Written By: James Gunn, Richard Powell

In Theaters: May 21, 1959 Wide

On DVD: Nov 14, 2006

Cast

Paul Newman
Tony Lawrence
Barbara Rush
Joan Dickinson
Alexis Smith
Carol Wharton
Brian Keith
Mike Flannagan
Diane Brewster
Kate Lawrence
Billie Burke
Mrs. J. Arthur Allen
John Williams (II)
Gilbert Dickinson
Robert Vaughn
Chester Gwynn
Otto Kruger
John M. Wharton
Paul Picerni
Louis Donetti
Robert Douglas
Morton Stearnes
Frank Conroy
Dr. Stearnes
Adam West
William Lawrence
Fred [Anthony] Eisley
Carter Henry
Richard Deacon
George Archibald
Isobel Elsom
Mrs. Lawrence

Critic Reviews for The Young Philadelphians (The City Jungle)

All Critics (6) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (4) | Rotten (2) | DVD (2)

The trials and tribulations of the rich, like those of the poor, can be undramatic.

March 25, 2006 Full Review Source: New York Times

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A.H. Weiler

New York Times

Top Critic

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.

November 26, 2008 Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com Source: EmanuelLevy.Com

Based on a very popular novel, the film is a competent but undistinguished adaptation that breathes only through the presence of its dynamic star.

June 17, 2008 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide

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TV Guide's Movie Guide

Smart drama featuring Paul Newman in early role.

July 6, 2006 Comment

Steve Crum

Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers

Classy soapsuds with a cast that's better than the movie.

May 19, 2006 Comment

Carol Cling

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Newman, by then established as a big star, might have chosen better than this over-two-hour-long soap opera.

May 24, 2003 Full Review Source: Film4

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Film4

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Audience Reviews for The Young Philadelphians (The City Jungle)

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A great cast, a great story, and great direction. It's a very interesting chronicle of early 50s mentality. You get to view it in two different forms, marriage and social classes. I think it's actually one of the first times the American lifestyle was threatened or criticized. Paul Newman is amazing as always and

January 31, 2010