Wild in the Country

It's all about young people and their growing pains!

1961 • 114 min • Drama

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Synopsis

A troubled young man discovers that he has a knack for writing when a counselor encourages him to pursue a literary career.

Our family guide

Best from age 12

Movie Knight Score

38 reviews

100 Reviewers · 1 · 59%
63 Audience · 37 · 41%

A troubled young man living in a rural area finds an unexpected talent for writing, which a kind counselor encourages him to develop. His journey is complicated by local entanglements and past struggles.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 3/10
Romance & sensuality: 2/10
Scary moments: 1/10

Heads up

Discussions of past abuse
Smoking and drinking portrayals
Some romantic tension

What it models well

Finding your calling
Importance of mentorship
Overcoming a troubled past

Talk about it after

How creative expression can help us
Making good choices despite challenges
Trusting in supportive adults

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Wild in the Country. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Philip Dunne • Crew: Clifford Odets

Trailers & clips

Wild in the Country

Reviewer notes

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
_**Elvis as a wild “boy” in the country, caught between a good girl and bad girl**_ A rural “boy” gets in trouble with the law (Elvis Presley), but is granted probation and counselling by a psychologist at her home office (Hope Lange). He gets a gig living with his uncle and ‘bad girl’ step-daughter (Tuesday Weld), but dates a ‘good girl’ (Millie Perkins) whose father hates him because he pegs him as a ne’er-do-well.…
Wuchak, TMDB Community