Young People (1940) in Color — Starring Shirley Temple & Jack Oakie

Plot Summary

Joe and Kit Ballantine are a beloved vaudeville duo who have spent their entire careers touring the country with their adopted daughter Wendy, whom they discovered backstage as an infant and raised as their own. Now middle-aged and increasingly tired of the travelling life, they decide to retire and give Wendy the stable, normal childhood she has never had by settling in a quiet New England town.

The Ballantines arrive in their chosen community with high hopes, only to discover that small-town respectability comes with a hefty dose of narrow-mindedness. The local residents, led by a group of particularly snobbish matrons, regard former vaudeville performers as unsuitable neighbours and make it abundantly clear that the newcomers are not welcome. Wendy is snubbed at school, the adults face social ostracism at every turn, and the family begins to wonder whether they made a terrible mistake.

Despite the hostility, the Ballantines persist, and Wendy gradually wins over some of her classmates with her natural charm, talent, and irrepressible spirit. She organises a show with the local children that begins to break down prejudices and demonstrates that show business people have genuine skills and values to offer a community. But just when progress seems possible, a fresh wave of hostility threatens to drive the family out of town permanently.

The climax arrives when a catastrophic hurricane strikes the community, and the Ballantines demonstrate their true character through acts of extraordinary bravery and selflessness during the disaster. Their courage and willingness to risk everything for their neighbours finally wins the respect and acceptance of even the most hardened sceptics, proving that character is far more important than background.

Cast & Crew

Director: Allan Dwan

Stars: Shirley Temple, Jack Oakie, Charlotte Greenwood, Arleen Whelan, George Montgomery, Kathleen Howard

Shirley Temple delivers a spirited and mature performance in what was her final film for Twentieth Century-Fox, demonstrating the growing sophistication of her acting abilities. Jack Oakie and Charlotte Greenwood are wonderful as her adoptive parents, bringing genuine warmth and comedic energy to their roles as retired vaudevillians struggling to fit into respectable society.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Young People brings the musical numbers to vibrant life and enhances the contrast between the glamorous world of vaudeville and the austere beauty of the New England setting. Now also available in colour. The colour presentation adds richness to the costumes, stage performances, and the dramatic hurricane sequence. Buy Young People (1940) Colorized – €15.00

Historical Significance

Young People holds a special place in cinema history as Shirley Temple’s final film for Twentieth Century-Fox, marking the end of her legendary association with the studio that had made her the biggest box office star in the world. The film’s themes of prejudice, social acceptance, and proving one’s worth through character remain timeless. Through colorization, this significant musical classic has been preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes — AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 78 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — play on any device
• Instant download: Yes
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Was this Shirley Temple’s last film?
A: It was her final film for Twentieth Century-Fox, the studio where she became the world’s biggest box office star. She continued to make films for other studios afterward.

Q: Are there musical numbers in the film?
A: Yes, the film features several charming musical numbers that showcase the vaudeville background of the characters and Shirley Temple’s considerable musical and dancing talents.

Q: What is the hurricane scene?
A: The climax features a devastating hurricane that strikes the small town, giving the Ballantine family the opportunity to demonstrate their courage and selflessness, finally winning the community’s respect.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file that plays on virtually any modern device including computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart TVs.

Q: Is there DRM protection on the file?
A: No, the download is completely DRM-free, meaning you own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or internet requirements.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: The download is available instantly after payment is confirmed, allowing you to start watching within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• Kathleen (1941)
• Fort Apache (1948)
• Heidi (1937)
• The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer (1947)
• I’ll Be Seeing You (1944)