Conservative Town Battles a Progressive Professor

Read Time:4 Minute, 32 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
College Confidential
–

Genre: Drama, Comedy
Year Released: 1960, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Albert Zugsmith
Writer(s): Irving Shulman, Albert Zugsmith
Cast: Steve Allen, Jayne Meadows, Walter Winchell, Mamie Van Doren
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: If you've ever wondered what happens when a sociology class crosses paths with scandalous campus politics, COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL gives you a glimpse. Directed by Albert Zugsmith, this 1960 film places Steve Allen—widely known for his comedic personality—as Professor Steve McInter, an academic conducting an eyebrow-raising research project at Collins College. His study, which seeks to unpack the social behaviors and hidden moral codes among young adults, inevitably sets off a moral firestorm in the conservative small-town community.

Although Allen is an unusual choice for such a dramatic role, the decision provides some of the film’s unintended amusement. Known to audiences primarily for his television comedy, Allen tries valiantly to bring seriousness and depth to Professor McInter. It might have been more effective had the director cast someone less associated with comedic roles, allowing the character’s complexity and sincerity to shine rather than being overshadowed by Allen's celebrity identity.

Similarly, Jayne Meadows, who portrays Betty Duquesne, the investigative journalist sniffing around McInter’s controversial project, struggles to strike the right note. Ironically, despite Allen and Meadows's real-life marriage, their romantic subplot barely produces any believable chemistry on screen. Their interactions are often clunky, resulting in awkwardly funny moments instead of the intended dramatic tension. Strengthening their exchanges and spending more time on character development could have lent credibility to their budding on-screen romance, enhancing the emotional stakes.

Yet, this curious gem from the early '60s does boast some genuinely entertaining elements, largely due to its offbeat supporting cast. Mamie Van Doren, as the provocative student Sally Blake, brings a lively spark each time she appears. Her character teases viewers with intrigue, charm, and playful rebellion, hinting at a potentially deeper exploration of teenage defiance and societal expectations. Unfortunately, the filmmakers never fully capitalize on her presence. Rather than offering meaningful insights into youth culture, the film holds Sally back, missing an excellent chance to add depth to its social commentary.

Adding further intrigue, the film features country music star Conway Twitty as Marvin, Sally’s rebellious boyfriend. Twitty lends an unexpected touch of rockabilly style, complete with a memorable musical interlude, but like many of the supporting cast, his screen time is disappointingly limited.

COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL aimed to dissect conservative America's fears surrounding sexuality and shifting moral attitudes, inspired by the controversial cultural conversations of the time (oh, how times haven't… changed.) However, screenwriter Irving Shulman's handling of these weighty themes often falters under the script's melodramatic weight. Instead, several scenes challenging societal taboos feel exaggerated, undermining the film’s seriousness. Dialogues meant to be provocative instead provoke giggles and eye-rolls as characters repeatedly deliver overly dramatic lines that rob the film of its intended gravitas.

Additionally, the film includes cameo appearances by prominent era figures, such as boxing champion Rocky Marciano and famed gossip columnist Walter Winchell. Although these cameos are briefly amusing, their presence ultimately serves little narrative purpose beyond brief novelty, further cluttering an already crowded storyline. More judicious use of these guest appearances streamlined the film and allowed for a greater focus on core characters.

Despite its shortcomings, COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL remains a fascinating cultural artifact. It captures a particular moment in American history marked by exaggerated concerns over youthful behavior and societal morality. While the film’s social commentary sometimes feels dated and clumsy, its earnest, if occasionally misguided, efforts at addressing these hot-button issues lend a certain charm and historical value.

COLLEGE CONFIDENTIAL doesn’t quite deliver on the potential of its premise. However, its quirky ensemble, occasional comedic surprises, and genuine attempts at cultural critique manage to create an experience that is amusing, thought-provoking, and entertaining—especially if approached with tempered expectations. Audiences seeking a snapshot of 1960s America’s moral anxieties, wrapped in melodrama and quirky charm, will find plenty to enjoy in this peculiar campus caper.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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