Watch As Boys Grow

As Boys Grow is an educational film produced in 1957 aimed at providing guidance and information to young adolescents about puberty and sexual health. Starring Joe Miksak and featuring from the Boys Clubs of San Francisco, the film is a somewhat iconic piece of mid-20th century educational material, representing the social and cultural attitudes of its time towards discussions of sexual development and health education.

Structured as a docu-drama, As Boys Grow follows a group of teenage boys as they navigate the confusing and often awkward process of growing up. The narrative is interwoven with informative segments that address the common physical and emotional changes that boys experience during adolescence.

The film opens up with familiar scenes of the boys involved in everyday activities, such as playing sports, hanging out, and attending school. These leisurely images set the stage for an approachable and relatable introduction to the subject matter at hand. Joe Miksak, serving a role akin to an understanding coach or teacher, guides the boys—and by extension, the audience—through their developmental journey.

Throughout As Boys Grow, various topics pertinent to adolescent boys are explored, with a primary focus on the physiological transformations linked to puberty. Subjects include the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as increased hair growth, deepening of the voice, and changes in body shape and size. The film also introduces the concept of nocturnal emissions, or wet dreams, as a normal part of male sexual development.

Joe Miksak and other adult figures in the film take on mentoring roles, offering space for the boys to ask questions and engage in conversations about the mysteries and concerns they have about their changing bodies. One of the aims of the film is to dispel myths and counteract misinformation that often circulates among kids entering puberty, replacing hearsay with facts and reassurances that each boy's development is unique to his own time frame.

While the physical aspects of puberty are a principal focus, As Boys Grow doesn't shy away from the emotional and social dimensions of adolescence. It touches upon the shifting dynamics in relationships, such as the evolving bonds with parents, a developing interest in girls, and the complex interplay of peer pressure and the quest for personal identity. The film strives to instill confidence in boys as they approach these challenges, promoting an attitude of open-mindedness and self-acceptance.

In keeping with the educational standards of the 1950s, the approach to sex education in As Boys Grow is conservative and heteronormative by contemporary standards. Dialogue and narrative revolve around the assumption of binary gender and traditional gender roles, reflecting the dominant socio-cultural norms of post-war United States. There is a focus on procreation within the context of marriage and family life, which is presented as the expected outcome of sexual and emotional maturation.

Although it's a product of its era, As Boys Grow attempts to contribute to the personal and social well-being of its audience by fostering a sense of normalcy and understanding around the topic of puberty. It seeks to alleviate the anxiety and fear associated with these changes by advocating knowledgeable and considerate dialogue.

For modern viewers, the film serves as a historical artifact, offering insights into how sex education was approached during the 1950s. The perspectives and advice it provides are undeniably dated, but it remains an interesting reflection of the educational films of the time.

The presence of Boys Clubs of San Francisco lends authenticity to the film's intentions: to speak directly to boys on the cusp of adolescence, with real faces and voices representing their peers. And while the production values of As Boys Grow might not match today's standards, its fundamental goal to educate and young people as they progress through one of life's most challenging stages remains as relevant now as it was then.

In summary, As Boys Grow features Joe Miksak and the Boys Clubs of San Francisco as they navigate the choppy waters of adolescence in a manner that is ive, albeit reflective of the period in which it was made. It aims to educate and reassure its young audience about the complexities of puberty and the changes they are experiencing. Despite the film's outdated concepts and delivery, it marks an interesting point in the history of adolescent education and social expectations.