Cast
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Brooke Bundy
as Shelley Allen
Kevin Coughlin
as Dewey Norson
Patty McCormack
as Deannie Donford
Lloyd Bochner
as Raymond Allen
Lynn Bari
as Mrs. Donford
Norman Fell
as Mr. Donford
Quentin Dean
as Joanne
Richard Dreyfuss
as Terry
Dick Sargent
as Freddy ("Sage")
James Edwards
as Sgt. Collyer
Isabel Sanford
as Sarah
Army Archerd
as Himself
Steve Mitchell
as Marty
Crew
Director
- Arthur Dreifuss
Writer
- Orville H. Hampton
Producer
- Sam Katzman
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Young Runaways examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Arthur Dreifuss brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1968, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Young Runaways took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 51 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1144 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Young Runaways shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Beautiful Thing, which focuses more on action than character development, The Young Runaways offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like High School Musical and Lolita explore similar territory, The Young Runaways stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 11, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 31m
