As I may have mentioned a few times in the past, I am secretly a huge history nerd.  I am fascinated by the past and I’ve discovered that one of the best ways to learn about the past is to watch movies that were specifically made to be shown to the children and teenagers of the past.  I’m talking, of course, about educational films.

Take, for instance, this oddly dark little gem from 1970: Dating.

Dating may, on the surface, appear to just be an educational film about teen dating but I think it’s actually a portrait of generational ennui, envy, and repression.  It also features some vintage 70s fashion, dancing, and perhaps the most dreary party in the history of dreary parties.  If nothing else, this film shows that while the customs may change, the drama remains the same.  

Before there was Degrassi, there was Dating!