Too Young to Kiss

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Too Young to Kiss is a 1951 American comedy from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It stars Van Johnson and June Allyson and was directed by Robert Z. Leonard. The screenplay was written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, based on a story by Everett Freeman. The film is in black and white, runs 91 minutes, and was produced by Sam Zimbalist with cinematography by Joseph Ruttenberg and editing by Conrad A. Nervig. Music was by Johnny Green.

Plot
Cynthia Potter is a gifted pianist who wants to catch the eye of concert promoter Eric Wainwright, who is looking for young talent. To fit his idea of a young prodigy, Cynthia pretends to be her own fictional younger sister, a 14-year-old called Molly Potter. Wainwright is impressed by Molly’s playing and takes the act under his wing. As they work together, Wainwright develops a protective, paternal regard for Molly, while Cynthia grows fond of him romantically, creating conflict and comic misunderstandings.

Cast
June Allyson plays Cynthia Potter (pretending to be Molly Potter), and Van Johnson plays Eric Wainwright.

Reception and box office
The film earned about $2.3 million at the box office on a $1.4 million budget. Critics were mixed: some praised the humor and Allyson’s performance, while others found the premise hard to suspend disbelief. Leonard Maltin gave it 2.5 stars out of 4, calling Allyson fetching, while The New York Times’ Bosley Crowther criticized the adolescent antics. Five members of the production were nominated for awards, with Allyson winning one.

Release and availability
Too Young to Kiss premiered in New York on November 22, 1951, and was distributed by Loew’s Inc. The film is also known as All Too Young. It was released on DVD in 2015.