Blue Denim (1959)

Interesting facts

Blue Denim is a 1959 American drama film directed by Philip Dunne, and starring Carol Lynley, Brandon deWilde, Warren Berlinger, Macdonald Carey, and Marsha Hunt. Adapted from the Broadway play by James Leo Herlihy and William Noble, it focuses on two teenagers, Arthur and Janet, who navigate their teenage pregnancy. Lynley and Berlinger, who starred in the original Broadway production, reprise their roles in the film.

Production

The play was first announced in 1955. In December 1955, its title was changed to The Children's Comedy. In June 1957 the title was changed back to Blue Denim. Joshua Logan agreed to direct. The play opened February 27, 1958 at the Playhouse Theatre. The New York Times called it "a moving play". It closed after 166 performances.

Carol Lynley was cast in the lead role of Janet, reprising the part from the stage play. Actresses Lee Remick, Diane Varsi, and Hope Lange were considered for the part prior to Lynley's casting.

Warren Berlinger joined the cast several months later, also reprising his role. Newcomer Burt Brinckerhoff was the lead male role.

Film rights were bought by 20th Century Fox. In August 1958, Fox announced that the leads would be played by Carol Lynley and Ray Stricklyn. In September Lynley was signed to a long-term contract at Fox and Dick Powell was to produce and direct.

In October 1958, Fox assigned Phillip Dunne to write and direct the film. Dunne wrote the script in collaboration with Edith Sommer, who just had a play on Broadway about teenagers titled A Roomful of Roses, which producer Charles Brackett had admired.

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