Watch Young and Willing

Young and Willing is a 1943 romantic comedy film starring William Holden, Eddie Bracken, and Robert Benchley. The movie, directed by Edward H. Griffith, follows the lives of three young men fresh out of college, who are looking for jobs in the publishing industry in New York City. The story follows Warren, Hal, and Pete, who all grew up together in the same small town. After finishing college, they have returned home until they can find jobs in their chosen fields. However, their prospects are bleak, and one day they receive a call from a publishing executive in New York who is interested in hiring them. They excitedly pack their bags and head to the Big Apple ready to start their new lives.

Once in the city, they quickly find out that their job offer was more of a tease than a reality, and they are forced to find other means of support, including taking on odd jobs and sharing a small apartment. Despite the struggles, they remain optimistic, and it's not long before they meet a group of young women also trying to make their way in the city.

Warren, played by Holden, is a writer and soon finds himself falling for Virginia, played by Susan Hayward, who works at the publishing company they all hoped to work for. Hal, played by Bracken, is equally smitten with Helen, played by Martha O'Driscoll, who is also in the publishing industry. Pete, played by Robert Weldon, finds himself involved with a wealthy socialite, Susie, played by Barbara Britton. The three couples spend their early days adjusting to life in the city, getting to know one another, and exploring the many opportunities it presents.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Warren loses his job because of the company's owner's opposition to stories about the war, a subject that Warren had covered. This setback, however, doesn't stop Warren from continuing to write stories, and he soon finds himself in a better-paying job with a magazine that supports his writing. In the meantime, Hal's relationship with Helen hits a rough patch, while Pete's romance with Susie takes center stage.

The film's comedy and romance are balanced with serious topics such as discrimination and war, which are common themes in movies of this era. While the characters are young and inexperienced, they prove to be resilient and willing to take on whatever challenges come their way.

Young and Willing is a charming and wholesome movie that captures the spirit of hopeful young people arriving in New York City to make their way in the world. It presents an honest portrayal of the struggles that come with starting a career, making new friends, and falling in love. The acting is solid, and Holden's performance is particularly notable, even though this film was one of his early roles. The movie's dynamic cast of young actors and actresses provides further entertainment and adds to the film's overall appeal.

Overall, Young and Willing is a classic romantic comedy that is well worth watching, showcasing the challenges and opportunities that come with starting a career and making one's mark in the world.

Young and Willing is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.