The First Time (1969)
A breezy 1969 coming-of-age comedy where one teenager's summer of tall tales about a fictional brothel spirals into gloriously awkward chaos.
The First Time - Movie Information
- Original Title: The First Time
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: James Neilson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 11, 1969 (United States - PG-13)
- Alternative Titles: The Beginners (CA), You Don't Need Pajamas at Rosie's (UK), La primera conquista (ES)
- Production Companies: The Mirisch Company
- Production Countries: United States of America
The First Time - Plot
With the coming of summer, three high school buddies--Kenny Leeds, Mike Decker, and Tommy Kingsley--anticipate their initiation into the pleasures of manhood. But Kenny is separated from his friends and sent to stay with his grandparents in Buffalo while his father, a widowed salesman, leaves on a business trip with his secretary-fiancée. Bored and alone in a strange city, Kenny writes his two friends letters about his adventures at "Rosie's," a fictitious brothel across the Canadian border in Niagara Falls. His lie quickly backfires.
The First Time - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where Kenny's summer of fiction leads:
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The First Time - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Neilson
Main Cast
- Jacqueline Bisset
- Wes Stern
- Ricky Kelman
- Wink Roberts
- Gerard Parkes
- Cosette Lee
- Sharon Acker
- Trudy Young
Writers
- Jo Heims
- Roger Smith
- Bernard Bassey
Producers
- Allan Carr
- Roger Smith
The First Time - FAQs
What is The First Time (1969) about?
The First Time follows three high school friends who spend a summer chasing their first grown-up adventures. When Kenny is sent to stay with his grandparents in Buffalo, he invents wild stories about visiting a brothel in Niagara Falls — and his elaborate lie quickly unravels in comedic fashion.
What happens when Kenny's lie gets out of control?
Kenny writes his friends boastful letters about a fictional brothel called Rosie's across the Canadian border. When his friends take the bait and arrive expecting the real thing, the whole fabrication collapses — turning Kenny's summer of tall tales into a hilariously awkward coming-of-age reckoning.
Where can you stream The First Time (1969)?
You can stream The First Time on fuboTV, Philo, MGM+ Amazon Channel, and MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel with a subscription. Prefer free streaming? It's also available on Tubi TV with ads — a great option if you just want to dive right in.
Who plays Anna in The First Time?
Jacqueline Bisset plays Anna, the older woman at the center of Kenny's coming-of-age story. Bisset was already turning heads in Hollywood at the time, and her presence gives the film a genuine warmth and charm that elevates it beyond a simple teen comedy.
Who are the main cast members in this film?
The film stars Jacqueline Bisset as Anna alongside Wes Stern as Kenny, Ricky Kelman as Mike, and Wink Roberts as Tommy. Gerard Parkes, Cosette Lee, Sharon Acker, and Trudy Young round out the supporting cast in this 1969 coming-of-age comedy.
Is The First Time (1969) based on a true story?
No, The First Time is not based on a true story. It's an original screenplay written by Jo Heims, Roger Smith, and Bernard Bassey. The story draws on universal coming-of-age themes — teenage bravado, white lies, and the awkward gap between fantasy and reality — rather than any specific real-life events.
What are some movies similar to The First Time (1969)?
If you enjoyed The First Time, you'll likely love American Pie (1999), The Last American Virgin (1982), and Carnal Knowledge (1971) for their similarly candid takes on teenage sexuality. Class (1983) and The Breakfast Club (1985) also capture that same blend of youthful awkwardness and heartfelt coming-of-age energy.
Who directed The First Time and what else did they make?
James Neilson directed The First Time. He was a prolific television and film director who worked extensively with Disney throughout the 1960s, helming titles like Moon Pilot (1962) and The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967). The First Time marked a lighter, more adult-oriented departure from his usual family fare.
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