Juvenile Jungle

This film was helmed by a man who two weeks ago I had never heard of. William Witney directed many films yet most are totally unaware of who he is. Thanks to Quentin Tarantino, many of us in Seattle have been somewhat enlightened. This film is a JD picture from the late 50's. Although extremely tame by todays standards, it is certainly good enough to hold the attention of all but the most impatient of my generation. As far as Witney's work is concerned, his direction is in my opinion quite good. The sets look well thought out and the pace is never slow. The story is good enough but nothing too memorable. I didn't like this movie as much as another Witney picture Tarantino presented (Santa Fe Passage)but enjoyed it purely to watch a director who was a master of his craft. In todays directorial excesses of stylish shots and flash, its good to take some time and examine a film that is more story driven than style driven. I don't think I liked this as much as Quentin, but still enjoyed it nonetheless. 6/10.

No need to recap the kidnapping plot, which I couldn't do anyway. Good thing there's no truth in advertising in Hollywood. At best, the movie's so-called "juveniles" are in their 20's and 30's (e.g. Welles). Reviewer Elliot is right— when not plain silly, the plot makes little sense. It's like the writers forgot from one day to the next. Then too, gang members DiReda (Monte) and Welles (Glory) ham it up like bargain day at Farmer John's, while Allen (Hal) appears bored with the whole idea. On the plus side are hoodlum super-star Richard Bakalyan as Tic-Tac and goofy looking Joe Conley as Duke. Between them, they provide amusing character color. At the same time, the gang's febrile antics are about as predictable as next week's weather. Nonetheless, veteran director Witney keeps things moving, so there's little time to dwell on the general nuttiness. All in all, I'm not sure what Republic was reaching for, but they should have stuck with their specialty, kids' westerns. Good thing these over-age delinquents are never boring, just like those great old matinée heroes.

A nice example of what you can do on a small budget. The script offers plenty of action and characters drawn in simple, bold strokes. Witney's direction gives you both pace and punch. He does a great job with the cast, getting forceful, lively performances from many of the actors. Fans of the JD genre will not be disappointed.

Jack Marta's cinematography is also worth looking at. While he's obviously hampered a little by the budget, this film looks way better than your average quickie JD flick. He does some nice things with lighting and composition. A few years later he got a chance to show what he could really do when he worked on Route 66.

The movie isn't half bad for a B picture. The acting was generally above average and I can deal with a little over the top acting and corny dialogue. The "teenage" delinquents were more in their 20's and 30's. The pacing was good and the movie came in in a little over one hour. Robert Conrad and William Schallert are both listed in the credits but I didn't spot them. The big surprise for me was Joe Conley as Duke who ended up later playing Ike Godsey on The Waltons. A few of the cast members made guest appearances on Perry Mason. I liked Corey Allen and Anne Whitfield. I have 25 characters left so I will now close out.

A gaggle of greed-driven beach bums commit various felonies for fun and profit. Led by the thuggish Monte (Joe Di Reda) and Tic-Tac (Richard Bakalyan), the gang spends most of their time drinking and planning small-time robberies.

Enter Hal McQueen (Corey Allen), who has a big plan than could lead to a "big score" for big money. All they have to do is abduct a certain businessman's daughter (Anne Whitfield). All goes well, until...

Oh no!

Hal falls for the girl, causing violence and danger for both of them!

JUVENILE JUNGLE is another "juvenile delinquent" film from the period. It's moralizing, melodramatic, and thoroughly entertaining! The bad guys -and gals- are a blast! Especially, the uber-jealous Glory (Rebecca Welles) and her conniving ways! She shows the others what crazy really means!

Watch for the heavenly Yvette Vickers as Kitten! Her part may be small, but it's memorable...