Thank you for joining me for the first part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Similar to last year’s review of I Am David, my review of Young at Heart is spoiler-free. If you’re curious about why I chose Young at Heart for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

1. How were you introduced to Young at Heart and why was it selected for this double feature?

I was introduced to Young at Heart back in January of 2020, through a recommendation from Maddy (of the blog, Maddy Loves Her Classic Films). Several months later, I received another recommendation for Young at Heart. This time, the suggestion came from Moviecriticqueen (of the blog, Movies Meet Their Match). For five years, this movie has stayed on my movie recommendation board on Pinterest. But I have tried to find the right opportunity to write about the film. When I participated in the Sixth Annual Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon, I was originally going to review two movies; Young at Heart and Twentieth Century. Due to technical difficulties, I only had time to write about one film, which I selected the 1934 title. In 2021, I wanted to participate in the Star/Genre Of The Month Blogathon, as January’s featured star was Doris Day. But a busy schedule prevented me from joining the event.

2. You discovered Young at Heart was a Christmas movie after you learned more about the film on IMDB. What else have you discovered about the 1954 picture?

While watching Young at Heart, I discovered Alan Hale Jr. portrayed a character named Bob. Those familiar with their television history would recognize Alan from his starring role (‘Skipper’) on Gilligan’s Island. I will admit the only projects from his filmography I’ve seen are Gilligan’s Island and The North Avenue Irregulars. Even though I’m more familiar with Alan’s appearances on Gilligan’s Island, it was a pleasant surprise to see him star in a different medium!

3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in Young at Heart’s story? If so, how?

Yes, specifically in Barney’s part of the story! When he’s introduced in Young at Heart, Barney (portrayed by Frank Sinatra) is a very pessimistic man. He feels no matter what he does, he will never find success. Throughout the film, one of the few people who believes in Barney is Doris Day’s character, Laurie. During their initial meeting, Laurie tells Barney how anyone can control their own fate. She also encourages him to complete one of his songs. By befriending Barney, Laurie gave him a second chance to prove how valuable he is. Without spoiling the movie, Laurie and Barney’s friendship pays off!

4. Was there anything about Young at Heart you liked or didn’t like?

One of the best aspects of Young at Heart was the dialogue! The writing and delivery were so sharp and witty, it made interactions between the characters interesting! When Barney first arrives at the Tuttle family’s house, he meets Aunt Jessie. During their conversation, Barney nonchalantly asks Aunt Jessie what kind of aunt she is. With a stern tone in her voice, Aunt Jessie promptly tells him her name came first and the curtains came later. This simple exchange between Aunt Jessie and Barney shows some of their character development, as well as the dynamic these characters share.

As I answered for question number three, Barney is a very pessimistic man who believes he can’t find success. I recognize how overcoming insecurities and doubts takes time. But, in Young at Heart, Barney spends most of the movie being pessimistic. He doesn’t change his perspective until the end of the film. This creative choice made Barney a static character. I wish his transformation had gradually taken place over the course of the story.

5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is Young at Heart similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

It is true that Christmas has a place in Young at Heart. However, the story spans over the course of several months. This means only a portion of the movie is set during Christmas. So, if I had to compare Young at Heart to any of the Christmas films I’ve reviewed, it would be Meet Me in St. Louis. The 1944 movie not only takes place over a year, there is one scene set during Christmas.

6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

As I was watching Young at Heart, I found moments of irony when it came to Barney. When Barney first meets Laurie, he talks about serving in the military during World War II. This reminded me of how Frank’s character, Clarence “Brooklyn” Doolittle, was in the Navy in Anchors Aweigh. During his conversation with Laurie, Barney says he’s never created a hit song. Throughout Frank’s career, he had several hit songs to his name. One notable example is “New York, New York”, which has become the unofficial theme song for New Year’s in Times Square. Any time Barney performed at a restaurant, the patrons didn’t pay him any attention. I’d like to think if Frank had shown up at any restaurant, most of the patrons would have stopped what they were doing to focus on Frank.

7. How would the story of Young at Heart change if it revolved around another holiday?

Like I answered for question number five, Young at Heart spans over the course of several months, with Christmas playing a role in only a portion of the movie. Therefore, I don’t think the story would change much had another holiday served as the primary focus.

8. Did Young at Heart deserve a second chance? If so, why?

I do believe Young at Heart deserved a second chance! By finally checking this movie out, it gave me an opportunity to see more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography. Young at Heart also became my introduction to Doris Day’s films, as I had never seen any of her movies before 2025.

9. After watching Young at Heart, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

Young at Heart and The Chalk Garden share one thing in common; a character-driven story that works because of the strength of the cast. But a major difference between these films is how Young at Heart’s script is more “slice of life”. There were conflicts woven into the story. However, these conflicts were either abandoned or resolved at the very end of the movie. I wish Young at Heart had put a little more emphasis on problem-solving among the characters. Another thing The Chalk Garden and Young at Heart have in common is the dialogue, as it was well-written and delivered in both films. There was, clearly, thought and effort put into this film-making component, which made interactions between characters interesting. While I found The Chalk Garden good, Young at Heart was, in my opinion, just fine. The 1954 production could be used as an introduction to Doris Day’s filmography.

Have fun at the movies!

Sally Silverscreen