(1951)2.5Craig ButlerAs Young As You Feel is a genial, amiable little comedy, but little more. It is remembered today chiefly as one of Marilyn Monroe's early efforts, and though the blonde bombshell is quite good, she is hardly in the film at all, so those viewing the film solely for Monroe will be quite disappointed. The star is Monty Woolley, hardly a bombshell, but always a good deal of fun. Playing his usual curmudgeonly self, Woolley carries the film with his crusty-lovable personality and his distinctive way with a gag line. He gets very good support from Constance Bennett, with whom he shares a fine rapport, but the rest of the notable cast -- Thelma Ritter, Jean Peters, David Wayne, Russ Tamblyn, etc. -- are largely wasted in roles that barely give them a chance to register. The screenplay is rather sloppily structured, the dialogue is not as sharp as this kind of venture requires, and there are several plot contrivances that are hard to stomach. The message of the film is also hammered home in a rather obvious manner; meant to be inspirational, it comes across as tired and clichéd. Harmon Jones has directed with efficiency but little style or flair. Woolley and Bennett fortunately keep Young afloat, but what could have been a raucous affair is instead gentle and mild.
