Previous reviews have explicated this film; therefore, I will not repeat their efforts. This film is disappointing because its leads are so badly cast. Peter Fonda delivers a performance that is best characterized as amateurish. Unfortunately, his leading lady is not strong enough to carry him. This film only comes alive during the scenes that include Nick Adams. In his early 30's when this film was made, Adams is clearly too old to be a college sophomore as the dialogue suggests he is. Moreover, the age difference between him and the delightful Deborah Walley strains credulity. Yet Hollywood has never found such pairings problematic: men are often cast against women far too young for them. Hollywood has always been a man's world. But I digress. To return to the film: the most interesting, entertaining and strongest scenes in this film are those with Adams and Walley. They display more chemistry and humor than either of the leads. It is clear to me from dialogue contained within the film itself and production stills found elsewhere that the two secondary leads had some of their scenes deleted. That is a shame. Credit for the best parts of this film belong to the supporting players and it would likely have been a better movie if their efforts had not been left on the cutting room floor. In his autobiography, Peter Fonda (understandably) has little to say about The Young Lovers. He mentioned he wanted Katherine Ross for his leading lady but was overruled. He also stated he learned the hard way what happens when you make a movie with too little money and rehearsal time. Clearly he was referring to himself; the pros on the picture (Adams, Walley, Throne, & Campanella) did good work. Unfortunately, Fonda and Hugueny are just dead weight.
