The Careless Years (1957)

In the sprawling urban expanse of Los Angeles, two high school seniors, Jerry Vernon and Emily Meredith, find themselves romantically entangled. Jerry comes from a middle-class blue-collar family, while Emily hails from a more affluent white-collar household. Yet, they share a common ground in their loving and supportive families. Their paths converge when their best friends, the vivacious Bob and Harriet, start dating, inadvertently knitting their lives together. As Jerry and Emily spend more time together, they experience the exhilarating rush of first love - a feeling so profound they wish to make it eternal. Despite their young age and contrasting social standings, they believe marriage is the solution to solidify their bond while upholding the moral values they have been taught. Their romantic idealism, however, is met with stark resistance from both sets of parents. The elders object, pleading for patience and urging them to reconsider the weight of marital responsibility. In a desperate bid to stay together, Jerry convinces Emily to elope to Mexico, crossing not just national borders but also familial boundaries. This drastic decision triggers a wave of intense reactions, leading to a physical confrontation between Jerry and his father. The repercussions of their impulsive actions force them to reassess their choices. The young lovers find themselves at a crossroads, wrestling with the dilemma of defying their parents or waiting until they are older and wiser to accept the burdens of marriage. "The Careless Years" paints a vivid picture of youthful love, rebellion, and the tumultuous journey of growing up. It's a tale that explores the reckless fervor of teenage love and the harsh reality checks that often accompany it. It questions whether love alone can sustain a relationship in the face of adversity and societal expectations.

The Careless Years is a drama movie featuring Dean Stockwell and directed by Arthur Hiller.

The Careless Years is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Freevee and Tubi TV and it's also available on MGM Plus, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel and fuboTV.

It is also possible to buy The Careless Years on Amazon Video.