The First Time (1969)

What makes The First Time (1969) linger is how it sneaks up on you: it arrives dressed as a randy teen comedy and gradually reveals a surprisingly tender little coming-of-age story about loneliness, bravado, and the awkward gap between who boys pretend to be and who they actually are. James Neilson keeps the tone breezy and sunlit, letting the farcical misunderstandings and Niagara Falls detours play for laughs while giving the characters just enough emotional truth to feel human rather than cartoonish. Jacqueline Bisset brings a poised, bittersweet warmth that elevates every scene she’s in, turning what could’ve been a cheap premise into something gently romantic and, at times, quietly sad. It’s definitely of its era—frank about sex, a bit gawky in its adolescent perspective—but if you’re on the fence, it’s worth stepping in for the mix of humor and heart that feels more honest than its title suggests.

The First Time is clearly aiming for a cheeky, coming-of-age sex comedy that mixes adolescent bravado with a softer, bittersweet lesson about insecurity and honesty. The problem is it often feels like adults guessing what teenage boys sound like, with stiff dialogue and thin characterization that make the whole “raunchy misadventure” setup come off more awkward than funny. If you’re hoping for something frank, authentic, or genuinely insightful about youth, this may feel dated and a bit phony, especially given how casually it treats its central misunderstanding. Still, there’s a mild charm in the Niagara Falls backdrop and a gentler tone than you might expect, and Jacqueline Bisset brings a touch of warmth that the script doesn’t always earn.