What Makes a Good Party? (1950)

This film creates a world so innocent that it's embarrassing. Jean, Nora and Eileen are high school girls who want to throw a "coming out" party to introduce college boy "Steve" to the rest of the gang. But whoa, let's not be impulsive, the narrator cautions, for "a successful party needs planning and skill." Accordingly, every detail of the get-together is mapped out beforehand, from the refreshments (hot chocolate and sandwiches) to the "well-chosen games" (a hat-making contest and Charades). "Everyone's out to have fun and to help OTHERS have fun," the narrator emphasizes. This need to do everything collectively, to allow no room for individual interests, to "help keep the party fun for all," is shown when Nora attempts pull Steve aside for some conversation. Nuh-uh! Who knows where that behavior would lead! Jean drags the two rebels back into the group, and the gang soon has a grand time singing Jimmy Crack Corn around the piano. The narrator offers one last nugget of wisdom -- "Part of a good party is knowing when to go home" -- and the kids do just that.

The disapproval of anything impulsive or individual in this film shows a really warped sense of "democracy," and more closely resembles socialism, if you think about it. According to Ted Peshak, "This whole part of the north Chicago area has changed because of that film."

Producer: Coronet Instructional Films

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• social
• guidance
• etiquette
• parties
• hostess
• 1950s
• guests
• games
• teenagers
• refreshments

[sfbaygirl]

I think it is sad that people today would mock something as basic as etiquette and social skill. I have been to too many parties where people lack basic social skills like conversation, making introductions, etc. I think people should be capable of doing more than falling onto a sofa and drinking beer when gathering socially with others.

[jimho85]

Back in the days when a party had STYLE!

[ScottieConnorCook]

i get waht there saying about giving everyone a nice time

[ScottieConnorCook]

i love Gay entertainment

[DPBrandon]

I can't stop watching. HOW DOES THE PARTY GO!? IT JUST HAS TO GO RIGHT!

[Hip48Xn3]

morals are getting worse in this world. when people look at this and think nerds or loser party like this, give you an idea where we are heading tomorrow. sad.

[50zcarsman]

These chicks are all directed from outside -- they rely on Mom to suggest refreshments, and on some library book for games. Their Midwestern accents -- esp. Jean's -- manage to sound both nasal and a little slutty at the same time. And where's the drinkin'?! The poster is right -- the collective emphasis makes this seem like a Komsomol convention. Were teens in the '50s so self-absorbed they had to be reminded repeatedly to interact with others? Sounds more like kids today.

[jackthayer]

i'm all for a good party with no alcohol or drugs or sluts or man whores but this "party" is the worst thing i have ever seen i would rather watch grass be digested by a cow then attend this "swell party"

[ML1995]

lol. "gay" entertainment.

[martinezivan9]

@cornjobb Im sure it was Saturday March 24th, 1951. She doesnt mention the year and the title of this youtube video could be wrong.

[martinezivan9]

@cornjobb Im sure it was Saturday March 24th, 1951. She doesnt mention the year and the title of this youtube video could be wrong.

[hoffnerrocks]

wow I was hoping they would crack open a keg, rip the girls shirts off then do tequila shots, or act incredibly white and play crappy party games and get sugar high on cookies and hot chocolate like fourteen year olds