Watch Teenage Mother

Teenage Mother is a 1967 film that highlights the issues of teenage pregnancy and the social stigma associated with it. The movie was directed by Jerry Gross and starred Arlene Farber, Frederick Riccio, Julie Ange, and Norman Rose. The film tells the story of a young girl named Emily (Arlene Farber), who becomes pregnant after a sexual encounter with her boyfriend. Emily's boyfriend, Jim (Frederick Riccio), is hesitant to take responsibility for the pregnancy and pressures Emily to have an abortion. Emily, however, decides to keep the baby and faces several challenges as a teenage mother.

As the movie progresses, Emily's plight is highlighted through various scenes that depict the difficulties faced by young mothers. Emily struggles to find work, faces discrimination because of her situation, and is ostracized by her family and friends. In one scene, she is kicked out of her house by her father, who is ashamed of her pregnancy. She is then forced to move in with Jim, who is living in a cramped apartment with his friends.

The film also shows how teenage pregnancy affects the lives of those around Emily. Jim's parents are upset with their son's actions, and his father is vocal about his disapproval. Emily's mother, who is suffering from mental illness, is unable to cope with the news of her daughter's pregnancy and is admitted to a mental institution. Emily's best friend, who is also pregnant, decides to have an abortion and feels guilty about it.

Teenage Mother addresses the issue of abortion from a pro-life standpoint. Emily's decision to keep the baby is portrayed as brave, and her struggles are shown as a cautionary tale for young women. The film advocates for teenage mothers to be empowered and supported, rather than being shamed and marginalized.

The movie is shot in a documentary style, with a voice-over providing information on teenage pregnancy statistics and the social attitudes towards it. The film's direction and acting are raw and unpolished, giving it a sense of realism that was rare for its time.

Although Teenage Mother is a low-budget movie, its message strongly resonated with audiences in 1967. The film became a hit and grossed more than $4 million at the box office. It also received critical acclaim and was praised for its honest portrayal of teenage pregnancy.

In conclusion, Teenage Mother is a powerful movie that highlights the struggles faced by teenage mothers. The film's raw direction and acting, coupled with its pro-life message, make it a unique and important contribution to cinema history. With its emphasis on social issues and realistic storytelling, Teenage Mother continues to be relevant and thought-provoking over 50 years after its release.

Teenage Mother is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.