The Explosive Generation movie storyline. At Mason High School, one of the progressive teachers, Peter Gifford (William Shatner), teaches classes for the senior students on college and life preparedness. Instead of sticking to the regular curriculum, he feels they would be better served on a discussion about what are the important issues to them of life post-high school.
After some debate, what the students decide on is a frank discussion about sex – not the usual technical talk, but a more honest and direct discussion about the emotional aspects behind it. Mr Gifford agrees, asking the students to write down questions and concerns they have anonymously, which they will then discuss during the next class. But some issues arise from the students over this.
First, Janet Sommers is most concerned about an incident between her and steady boyfriend, Dan Carlyle. In addition something happened at a party between fellow students Bobby Herman and the naive Marge Ryker, after which the foursome spent the entire night together. But now all hell is about to break loose. The parents have learned of the planned sex discussion and mistakenly think Mr. Gifford is administering a “sex survey”.
The parents have also learned of the previous all night party and they are completely shocked by it all. What ensues is a battle of wills between the students, the parents, Mr.Gifford and Principal Morton. The parents notify the principal of what they have mistakenly heard Peter Gifford intends, who then warns him not to have the planned class activity. Peter decides to go ahead with it anyway and is suspended from his position. Meanwhile the students, feeling like they are being ignored, have had enough and decide to take radical action to be heard.
The Explosive Generation is a 1961 film directed by Buzz Kulik. It stars William Shatner, Patty McCormack, Lee Kinsolving, Virginia Field, Stephen Dunne, Phillip Terry, Arch Johnson, Edward Platt, Suzi Carnell, Beau Bridges and Peter Virgo.
The Explosive Generation (1961)
Directed by: Buzz Kulik
Starring: William Shatner, Patty McCormack, Lee Kinsolving, Virginia Field, Stephen Dunne, Phillip Terry, Arch Johnson, Edward Platt, Suzi Carnell, Beau Bridges, Peter Virgo
Screenplay by: Joseph Landon
Production Design by: Raoul Pagel
Cinematography by: Floyd Crosby
Film Editing by: Melvin Shapiro
Costume Design by: Alexis Davidoff
Makeup Department: Ted Coodley
Music by: Hal Borne
MPAA Rating: None.
Distributed by: United Artists
Release Date: October 2, 1961
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