Prom, The : It’s A Pleasure! (1961)

The film **”The Prom”** is a nostalgic instructional guide on the etiquette and excitement surrounding a high school prom, narrated through the experiences of a teenage girl named Mary. The narrative walks viewers through the social expectations and preparations that make this special evening memorable for both boys and girls.

The film opens with a Junior Miss pageant, highlighting the importance of character, citizenship, and personal ambitions for young women, with education and scholarships as the rewards. From there, it transitions into the preparations for the prom, with Mary narrating the steps involved. The boy, Dick, courteously asks Mary to the prom in advance, ensuring she feels like his first choice, while Mary quickly accepts, setting the tone for mutual respect and consideration.

As prom night approaches, both Mary and Dick prepare meticulously. Mary and her friends excitedly discuss their dresses over the phone, and Dick takes extra care in choosing a matching corsage. Scenes of girls modeling their dresses for their parents emphasize the role of family in sharing the excitement. Dick, dressed in a tuxedo, arrives on time to make small talk with Mary’s parents, adding a layer of formality to the evening.

Once at the prom, the couples are shown filling out dance cards, adhering to proper etiquette as they dance and mingle with others. The film emphasizes how the boy should escort the girl off the dance floor to avoid leaving her stranded and how social customs allow girls to end uncomfortable situations, such as dancing with a show-off. Even minor mishaps, like dance floor collisions, are handled with grace, as boys are expected to take responsibility.

The film culminates in the final dance, where Mary saves it for her favorite fellow, Dick. The prom wraps up with an after-party at someone’s home, where the importance of appreciating the hosts is highlighted. The film closes with Dick and Mary sharing a sentimental moment on the front steps, reflecting on how the night was made special by their shared experience.

**”The Prom”** serves as a charming time capsule, focusing on prom night etiquette, mutual respect, and the thrill of this coming-of-age event, all delivered through Mary’s warm, nostalgic narration.

We digitized and uploaded this film from the Prelinger Archive. Email us at footage@avgeeks.com if you have questions about the footage and are interested in using it in your project.