Because They're Young

Because They're Young
Theatrical release poster
Directed byPaul Wendkos
Written byJames Gunn
Based onHarrison High
by John Farris
Produced byJerry Bresler
StarringDick Clark
CinematographyWilfred M. Cline
Edited byChester W. Schaeffer
Music byJohn Williams
Production
company
Jerry Bresler Productions
Distributed byColumbia Pictures
Release date
  • April 1960 (1960-04)
Running time
102 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Because They're Young is a 1960 American drama film directed by Paul Wendkos and starring Dick Clark as Neil Hendry, an American high-school teacher who tries to make a difference in the lives of his students. The film co-stars Tuesday Weld, Michael Callan, Warren Berlinger, Roberta Shore, Doug McClure, Victoria Shaw, and Stephen Talbot. The screenplay was based on Harrison High, a 1959 novel by John Farris.

Musicians Duane Eddy and James Darren appear in cameo roles, and the film's title song became the biggest hit record of Eddy's career. Bobby Rydell's "Swingin' School" is featured prominently in the film's soundtrack, though Rydell does not appear in the film.