Dating: Do's and Don'ts

Plot

Dating: Do's and Don'ts is a 1949 instructional social guidance film that follows teenager Woody (John Lindsay) as he prepares for his first formal date. The film presents a systematic approach to dating etiquette, beginning with Woody's anxiety about asking a girl to the school dance and following through the entire courtship process. Through a series of carefully staged scenarios, the film demonstrates proper telephone etiquette, appropriate conversation topics, suitable dating activities, and the correct way to end an evening. Woody receives guidance from his father and learns to navigate the complex social rules of teenage romance in post-war America. The narrative culminates in Woody successfully applying these lessons during his date with Anne, demonstrating the 'right' way to handle various dating situations. The film serves as both entertainment and education, using a problem-solution format to reinforce social norms and dating protocols for high school students.

Historical Background

Dating: Do's and Don'ts emerged during a critical period in American social history, as post-World War II society grappled with changing youth culture and the emergence of the teenager as a distinct demographic. The late 1940s saw unprecedented economic prosperity, leading to increased discretionary spending among young people and the rise of dating as a formalized social ritual. Educational institutions, responding to parental concerns about juvenile delinquency and changing mores, increasingly turned to instructional films as tools for socialization. This film reflected the era's emphasis on conformity and proper social behavior, serving as a counterbalance to the perceived permissiveness of wartime dating practices. The production coincided with the baby boom and suburbanization, which created new social environments where traditional dating rules needed reinforcement. The film's content also reveals the gender roles and class assumptions prevalent in post-war America, presenting a middle-class, heteronormative vision of courtship that would dominate American culture throughout the 1950s.

Making Of

The production of Dating: Do's and Don'ts exemplified the efficient assembly-line approach of Coronet Instructional Films. Director Gilbert Altschul, a veteran of educational filmmaking, completed principal photography in a single day using the company's Chicago studio facilities. The casting process prioritized authenticity over star power, which explains the inclusion of John Lindsay, a local actor who brought a natural quality to the role of Woody. Jackie Gleason's participation was unusual for an educational film of this type, as he was already gaining recognition in comedy. The film's script underwent multiple revisions by educational consultants to ensure it aligned with contemporary psychological theories about adolescent development. The minimal budget meant the production relied heavily on existing sets and props, with the 'date locations' being cleverly disguised areas of the Coronet studio. The sound recording was done simultaneously with filming to save costs, resulting in the somewhat flat audio quality characteristic of the era's educational films.

Visual Style

The cinematography of Dating: Do's and Don'ts reflects the utilitarian approach of educational filmmaking in the late 1940s. Shot in black and white on 16mm film, the visual style prioritizes clarity and instructional value over artistic expression. The camera work employs straightforward medium shots and close-ups to ensure facial expressions and actions are clearly visible to classroom viewers. The lighting is flat and even, eliminating dramatic shadows that might distract from the educational content. The film uses simple continuity editing to maintain narrative flow, with occasional insert shots to emphasize key instructional points like proper telephone technique or appropriate conversation topics. The cinematography avoids complex camera movements, relying instead on static compositions that allow students to focus on the behavioral demonstrations. Despite these limitations, the visual presentation effectively serves its educational purpose while maintaining a professional appearance that lent credibility to the instruction.

Innovations

Dating: Do's and Don'ts employed several technical approaches that were innovative for educational filmmaking of its time. The film utilized the synchronized sound-on-film process that had recently become standard for 16mm productions, ensuring reliable audio playback in classroom settings. The production employed a single-camera setup with efficient lighting arrangements that allowed for rapid shooting and minimal setup time between scenes. The film's editing technique, while simple, effectively used the Kuleshov effect to create emotional responses through sequential shots of characters and their reactions. The technical team implemented a standardized exposure and development process that ensured consistent print quality across the thousands of copies distributed to schools nationwide. The film's preservation on stable 16mm stock has allowed it to survive in excellent condition, unlike many contemporaneous entertainment films that have deteriorated. The technical execution prioritized durability and repeatability, recognizing that educational films would undergo hundreds of screenings in various conditions.

Music

The film's soundtrack consists primarily of production music typical of Coronet's library, featuring light, optimistic orchestral pieces that underscore the instructional narrative without overwhelming the dialogue. The music serves primarily as mood-setting background, with generic upbeat themes during successful dating moments and more tentative melodies during Woody's anxious moments. No original score was composed for the film; instead, it utilized stock recordings that were commonly used across Coronet's educational catalog. The sound design emphasizes clarity of dialogue, crucial for classroom viewing in often acoustically challenging environments. The audio quality reflects the technical limitations of 1949 recording equipment, with somewhat flat dynamics but sufficient intelligibility for educational purposes. The film includes minimal sound effects, focusing attention on the verbal instruction and demonstration of proper dating behavior. The soundtrack's simplicity and functionality exemplify the practical approach of educational filmmakers of the era.

What Critics Said

Upon its release, Dating: Do's and Don'ts received positive reviews in educational publications, with Teacher Magazine praising its 'clear presentation of proper dating etiquette' and 'realistic portrayal of teenage situations.' The School Board Journal commended its 'practical approach to a common adolescent problem' and recommended it for health and guidance classes. Contemporary critics noted its effective use of the problem-solution format and its appropriate pacing for classroom use. In retrospect, film historians have recognized it as a representative example of the social guidance genre, with the National Film Registry citing its cultural importance. Modern critics often view the film through a lens of nostalgia and irony, appreciating its earnestness while acknowledging its dated social assumptions. The film's technical execution has been noted as competent for its budget and purpose, though not artistically ambitious. Educational film scholars consider it a superior example of its genre due to its naturalistic performances and well-structured narrative.

What Audiences Thought

The primary audience of high school students in 1949 reportedly found the film helpful and relatable, with many schools noting increased discussion about dating etiquette after screenings. Teachers reported that students responded positively to the film's straightforward approach and the relatable character of Woody. In the decades following its release, the film developed a cult following among baby boomers who remembered it from their school days. The rise of home video and internet distribution in the 1990s introduced the film to new audiences who appreciated its historical value and unintentional humor. Contemporary viewers often watch the film as a cultural artifact, finding amusement in its formal approach to dating while recognizing the universality of some of its advice. The film's appearance on Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1993 brought it to a wider audience, cementing its status as a beloved piece of retro Americana. Educational institutions continue to use the film in media studies and history classes to illustrate mid-20th century American values and communication styles.

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