We Who Are Young (1940)

We Who Are Young Poster

A man violates company policy by getting married.

Intro to "We Who Are Young"
"We Who Are Young" is a 1940 American drama film directed by Harold S. Bucquet and dispersed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The movie focuses around the challenges of the contemporary office and the personal and professional struggles of young employees. Including Lana Turner and John Shelton as the protagonist, the film shows the sentiments of the pre-WWII period and the American Dream's pledges and dangers.

Plot Overview
The narrative follows the lives of two young individuals, Margy Brooks (played by Lana Turner) and James 'Jimmy' Ray (played by John Shelton). They work for the Thorne & Thorne outlet store, where marital relationship in between employees protests company policy. The movie starts with the intense and ambitious Margy securing a job at the shop, despite the lack of positions available, by impressing the manager with her decision.

Jimmy is an industrious and positive boy working in the store's shipping department with imagine climbing the corporate ladder. The two meet and rapidly fall in love, their chemistry indisputable. Sadly, their romance should be concealed due to the stringent business guidelines against office relationships.

As the plot develops, Jimmy's effort pays off, and he is promoted to a junior executive function. Elated with his new position, he takes a loan to furnish a home and marries Margy in a secret event. Nevertheless, the problem of concealing their marital relationship, coupled with the pressures of his new task and the financial stress of the loan, begins to take a toll on Jimmy.

Obstacles and Conflict
As Jimmy has a hard time to satisfy his sales quota, the pressure from his superiors increases. In spite of his dedication, he faces the ruthless nature of the business world, where one's success is often contingent on the failure of others. The film explores the ethical predicaments faced by those trying to preserve integrity while battling to succeed expertly.

Meanwhile, Margy, too, must browse the intricacies of her scenario. She finds herself in a situation where her personal joy is at odds with her career goals. The couple's secret ultimately emerges, causing their termination from Thorne & Thorne, and forcing them to challenge the harsh truths of their choices.

Styles and Messages
"We Who Are Young" examines the balance between profession ambitions and individual life, particularly highlighting the struggles young couples faced during that era when social expectations and business policies could frequently impede individual developments and joy. It likewise depicts the ruthless pursuit of success, the risks of consumerism, and the battle to follow ethical concepts in the face of hardship.

The film discussed the developing business culture of the 1940s, checking out styles like business hierarchy, the exploitation of the workforce, and the American Dream's elusive nature. At the very same time, it acted as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of living beyond one's means, which resonated with audiences of the time recuperating from the Great Depression.

Conclusion and Legacy
"We Who Are Young" wraps up with a resolution that sticks to the values of the time, strengthening traditional values and the value of determination. It recommends that true success originates from integrity and love instead of product gains and status.

Although not considered a classic in the exact same vein as other films from the period, "We Who Are Young" provides a snapshot of a specific time in American history and culture. It provided audiences a blend of romance, drama, and social commentary, total with performances that encapsulated the vibrant optimism and determination of the period. Today, the movie serves as a historic piece that reflects the socio-economic obstacles and business principles conversations of its day.

Top Cast

  • Lana Turner (small)
    Lana Turner
    Marjorie White Brooks
  • John Shelton (small)
    John Shelton
    William Brooks
  • Gene Lockhart (small)
    Gene Lockhart
    C.B. Beamis
  • Grant Mitchell (small)
    Grant Mitchell
    Jones
  • Henry Armetta (small)
    Henry Armetta
    Tony
  • Jonathan Hale (small)
    Jonathan Hale
    Braddock
  • Clarence Wilson (small)
    Clarence Wilson
    R. Glassford
  • Ian Wolfe (small)
    Ian Wolfe
    Judge
  • Hal K. Dawson (small)
    Hal K. Dawson
    Salesman
  • John Butler
    Mr. Peabody
  • Irene Seidner (small)
    Irene Seidner
    Mrs. Weinstock