Skip to main content
Comedy Cult Classic

London teens sing and scheme to save their beloved youth club from a scheming tycoon—who happens to be Dad.

THE YOUNG ONES

Its Wonderful to be Young

1961 · 1h 32m · NR · Comedy / Drama / Musical / Mystery · IMDB TMDB

A clean-cut teenager records a pop song in a bid to save his youth club, which a greedy tycoon wants to demolish so he can build an office block. Musical, starring Cliff Richard and the Shadows, with Robert Morley, Melvyn Hayes, Richard O'Sullivan and Carole Gray.

Quick Answer

What is The Young Ones about?

The Young Ones is a 1961 United Kingdom comedy musical directed by Sidney J. Furie about a group of teenagers, led by aspiring singer Nicky, who stage a variety show to save their youth club from demolition by a millionaire developer.

Programmer's Pick

Cliff Richard crooning, The Shadows strumming, and a plot where saving the rec center is literally a family affair—this is peak British youth musical. Come for the pop, stay for the property shenanigans and a twist that makes family drama sing.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in London's lively West End, The Young Ones centers on Nicky and his friends, passionate members of a youth club threatened by a greedy property developer intent on tearing it down to build an office block. Led by Nicky, who dreams of music stardom, the group decides to fight back by mounting an ambitious variety show to raise enough money to secure their club's future. With the club’s fate hanging in the balance, the teens resort to creative tactics—including a pop song recording and even pirate broadcasting—to draw attention to their cause. Spirited, musical, and laced with youthful determination, this film blends toe-tapping numbers with classic underdog energy.

Details & Specs

Director
Sidney J. Furie
Writers
Peter Myers, Ronald Cass
Release
1961
Runtime
1h 32m
Country
United Kingdom
Language
English
Also Known As
Wonderful to Be Young!

Why This Matters

This film marked Cliff Richard's first major starring role in a series of musical films, featured a hit soundtrack, and brought together talents like director Sidney J. Furie, choreographer Herbert Ross, and the Shadows, with production at the notable Elstree Studios.
— SassyFlix Curator

Why Cult

Cliff Richard Leads

Pop sensation Cliff Richard stars as Nicky, bringing his musical chops and clean-cut charisma to the screen.

The Shadows On Screen

The Shadows appear as themselves, backing up the soundtrack and giving the film authentic rock-and-roll flair.

Youth Club Showdown

The plot revolves around saving a London youth club through a variety show, blending community spirit with musical spectacle.

Pirate Broadcasting

The teens take to the airwaves with pirate broadcasts to promote their fundraising show, giving the story a rebellious twist.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was The Young Ones released? +

The Young Ones was released in 1961.

Who directed The Young Ones? +

The Young Ones was directed by Sidney J. Furie.

How long is The Young Ones? +

The Young Ones has a runtime of 92 minutes.

What genre is The Young Ones? +

The Young Ones is a comedy, drama, musical, and mystery film.

Where can I watch The Young Ones? +

You can watch The Young Ones on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips