The Young Nurses

The Young Nurses is a provocative and thrilling 1973 film that nudges at the boundaries of the exploitation genre. Directed by Clint Kimbrough and produced by Samuel Z. Arkoff, the movie stars captivating starlets Jeane Manson, Ashley Porter, and Angela Elayne Gibbs who prove to be an intriguing trio in this engaging blend of drama, action, and mystery.

Set in an era brimming with societal rebelliousness and cultural change, the storyline explores the lives of three strikingly good-looking, young women, played by Manson, Porter, and Gibbs. These women are all nurses at a bustling city hospital, providing an avenue for the plot to tap into a popular theme of medical melodrama that was prevalent in the 70s cinema scene.

Our female protagonists are not just your stereotypical caregivers, though. The characters are complex women with unique personalities and secrets, coupled with an innate desire for adventure, justice, and truth. Each nurse is given a storyline that allows their characters to deepen in complexity, and, at the same time, serves as tools of social commentary on a range of societal issues such as classism, racism, drug overdoses, and the medical industry's inner workings.

Jeane Manson, the leading lady, embarks on a passionate affair with a doctor, delving into a series of shocking discoveries about the underbelly of the medical world. Ashley Porter, fulfilling a rebellious role, engages herself in some risk-taking ventures that equally challenge the norms of her profession. Angela Elayne Gibbs, bringing a fresh perspective, navigates her career amidst the racial prejudices that existed in society at the time.

The Young Nurses pivot their focus between the nurses' professional lives and their individual entanglements. The movie boasts multiplicity, capturing the risqué ambiance of the time while maintaining its satirical undertones, providing audiences with a layered viewing experience.

The movie uncovers the paradoxical reality of the hospital, converting it from a sanctuary of healing to an institution marred by corrupt practices and illicit activities. While this narrative seems to provide a rather grim outlook, the film cleverly interjects with refreshing humor and an upbeat atmosphere that doesn’t weigh down the overall narrative. Scenes transition from intensive surgery rooms to wild parties, keeping audiences on their toes.

The Young Nurses also excels in delivering a powerful action vibe, featuring high-paced chase scenes, foot-tapping music, and charismatic one-liners. The trio becomes embroiled in a thrilling plot to uncover the truth, leading them into dangerous situations that keep the audience on edge. The excellent screenplay, laden with suspense and intrigue, paired with the film's fast-paced genre-blending direction, ensures that there is never a dull moment in the Nurses' adventures.

Cinematically, the film captures the essence of the 70s with its vibrant color palette, captivating soundtracks, and vintage fashion, which contributes substantially to the film's nostalgic appeal. The daring choices of costumes for its three lead actresses serve as a nod to the era's rudiments of sexual liberation.

In summary, The Young Nurses conveys a tantalizing tale that merges the themes of drama, action, mystery, and adventure. The engaging plot packed with suspense and the comic relief instilled in situations makes the movie a piece of eclectic cinema. The performances of the lead trio, Jeane Manson, Ashley Porter, and Angela Elayne Gibbs, uplift the narrative, making it a captivating watch. The movie holds its relevance even today as it reflected several societal issues slipping under the cover of the prosperous medical industry.

Although it's filed under the exploitation cinema of the '70s, The Young Nurses far exceeds the stereotype of being just a voyeuristic film. It demonstrates the courage to engage with serious societal topics and disseminate them to audiences in a surprisingly identifiable way.

The Young Nurses is a roller coaster of a film, filled with naughty humor, suspenseful twists, and a fair share of action. Be it the charm of the 70s, the dynamic performances, or the thrilling storyline; there is certainly something in it for everyone.