---
title: "The Explosive Generation"
year: 1961
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-explosive-generation-1961"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 119536
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 89
community_rating: 5.0
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Explosive Generation (1961) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-explosive-generation-1961

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Explosive Generation is a 1961 drama film directed by Buzz Kulik and starring William Shatner, Patty McCormack, Lee Kinsolving, Billy Gray, and Stephen Dunne. The story follows Peter Gifford, a dedicated life skills teacher who is suspended after deciding to address student-submitted questions about sex and dating despite the principal's warning, which sparks a massive student protest.

The film explores generational conflict, censorship, and institutional authority within an educational setting. With a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes, it delivers a focused dramatic narrative capturing the friction between traditional administrative control and the passionate pushback of a student body.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A dedicated teacher faces suspension after planning to answer student questions about sex and dating."

### Why Watch
- Engaging conflict centering on high school classroom policies regarding sex and dating discussions.
- Features performances by cast members including William Shatner, Patty McCormack, Lee Kinsolving, Billy Gray, and Stephen Dunne.
- Explores student body protests and administrative tension following a teacher's suspension.

### Caveats & Content Note
- Viewers who dislike mid-century social drama may find the premise dated.
- Tone & Suitability: The tone is dramatic, capturing a tense conflict between school administration, parents, and students with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #school-drama, #student-protest, #teacher-conflict, #generation-gap, #1960s-cinema, #social-drama

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-explosive-generation-1961#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Buzz Kulik
- **Networks / Studios**: Vega Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **William Shatner** as *Peter Gifford*
- **Patty McCormack** as *Janet Sommers*
- **Lee Kinsolving** as *Dan Carlyle*
- **Virginia Field** as *Mrs. Katie Sommers*
- **Edward Platt** as *Mr. Morton*
- **Beau Bridges** as *Stephen*
- **Jocelyn Brando** as *Mrs. Ryker*
- **Phillip Terry** as *Mr. Carlyle*
- **Stephen Dunne** as *Bobby Herman Sr.*
- **Arch Johnson** as *Mr. George Sommers*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream The Explosive Generation (1961)?
Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database (TMDB).

### Q: Is The Explosive Generation worth watching?
It is a drama featuring performances by William Shatner and Patty McCormack that explores school censorship and student protest.

### Q: What is the runtime of The Explosive Generation?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.

### Q: How many episodes does The Explosive Generation have?
The Explosive Generation is a feature film rather than a television series, so it does not have episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Explosive Generation — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/119536)
- [The Explosive Generation (1961) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/18609-the-explosive-generation/prehled/)
- [Explosive Generation, The 63% [The Explosive Generation…](https://www.kinobox.cz/film/200299-explosive-generation-the)
- [The Explosive Generation (1961)](https://www.sms.cz/film/the-explosive-generation)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*