The sociology of all sociological films is this 1956 excellent view of urban life, filled with social problems and the rise of gangs and ensuing violence. It's an absolutely wonderful film.
John Cassavetes, as Frankie, the boy craving attention, is just fabulous here and Sal Mineo, always good, especially when he is a follower and conflicted, is hesitant in going along with Frankie's plans to rub out an elderly man who blew the whistle on their friend. Peter Votrian, who plays their accomplice, is terrific. He is absolutely demented and actually enjoys what the trio plan to do.
James Whitmore is the social worker here who knows that Frankie and the guys are up to no good.
There is a wonderful performance by Virginia Gregg as Frankie's exhausted, over-worked waitress mother, who knows that she can't control him but pleads with him. You'd remember Ms. Gregg the year before as the nurse in "Ill Cry Tomorrow." She gave Susan Hayward her first drink in the film. Ditto for the gentleman who played the Italian father of Mineo.
The film, though extremely liberally slanted, provides an excellent view of urban decay and the rise of juvenile delinquency as a result. The ending in itself is ****.
A wonderful picture.
John Cassavetes, as Frankie, the boy craving attention, is just fabulous here and Sal Mineo, always good, especially when he is a follower and conflicted, is hesitant in going along with Frankie's plans to rub out an elderly man who blew the whistle on their friend. Peter Votrian, who plays their accomplice, is terrific. He is absolutely demented and actually enjoys what the trio plan to do.
James Whitmore is the social worker here who knows that Frankie and the guys are up to no good.
There is a wonderful performance by Virginia Gregg as Frankie's exhausted, over-worked waitress mother, who knows that she can't control him but pleads with him. You'd remember Ms. Gregg the year before as the nurse in "Ill Cry Tomorrow." She gave Susan Hayward her first drink in the film. Ditto for the gentleman who played the Italian father of Mineo.
The film, though extremely liberally slanted, provides an excellent view of urban decay and the rise of juvenile delinquency as a result. The ending in itself is ****.
A wonderful picture.