Is The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1945)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 1945 release of The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Part of the March of Time series, this episode (Volume 11, Number 11) focuses on a new sociological phenomenon - the teen-age girl. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Part of the March of Time series, this episode (Volume 11, Number 11) focuses on a new sociological phenomenon - the teen-age girl. She is recognized as unique, with a mind of her own and not necessarily prone to following in her mother's foot-steps. Industry now recognizes this sector of society as a potentially lucrative market, the result being that magazines, beauty products and clothes are all being designed with the teen-age girl in mind. New music is central to their activities, and there is also an increasing demand for photogenic teen-agers as models."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Westbrook Van Voorhis, the performance in The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by the visionary director is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 16 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1945 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and the visionary director respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Westbrook Van Voorhis or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The March of Time: Teen-Age Girls is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.