Young and Wild

Currently, the picture on IMDb for this film appears to be some sort of porno film--NOT "Young and Wild"! Also, like most 'youth run wild' films of the era, the teens in this film are well into their 20s--and near 30 in some cases.

The film begins with three punks stealing a car and going joyriding. However, this isn't the end of it by any means. Next, they attack a young couple--beating the boy and nearly raping the girl. On their way from this little frivolity, they run over a woman--killing her instantly. Clearly, these young men are thugs--and not just the kinda bad guys from most 50s movies of this genre. When the police investigate, the punks are able to concoct an alibi but they later seek out the young couple--to make sure they don't identify them in a police lineup. And, after being beaten up again and threatened at knifepoint, it's not surprising that they recant their initial identifications. Not surprisingly, this only emboldens the punks. What's next? See this gritty film for yourself.

This film actually surprised me. While it clearly appeared to be just another film about those crazy youths, it was far deeper and far better. It was NOT just another mindless exploitation film but a well-crafted low-budget film.

By the way, look for the young cop during the interrogation scene--it's Gavin MacLeod.

Catch that opening. Looks like the movie wants "wild" right up front. Teen hoodlums led by Braden (Marlowe) bounce off people at the drive-in like berserk pinballs. From the git-go, it's hard to see how these characters are still on the loose. But then the only thing 1950's middle-class Americans feared more than Hollywood's juvenile delinquents was the spread of the Red Menace.

In that same vein, Marlowe makes a truly detestable sneering punk. Along with Richard Bakalyan, he qualifies as a punk super-star from the 50's. Here, Braden and his two buddies terrorize the sweet teen-age Valerie (Kearney), her boyfriend Jerry (Arthur), and her mom and dad. Trouble is that on a reckless spree, the hoodlums hit-and-run an old woman, and now the cops want them. But will the terrorized Valerie and Jerry testify against them. That's the crux.

Actor Evans brings uncommon sensitivity to the role of detective-sergeant on Braden's trail. It's real testimony to his professionalism that he would perform so ably in a teen flick like this. I hope there's a special place in Hollywood heaven for actors like him. And catch Weston Gavin mugging it up as hoodlum Allie (I think). I kept confusing his looks with In Cold Blood's (1967) Robert Blake. There is a strong resemblance.

Veteran director Witney manages to keep things moving, while I'm still savoring that testy exchange between the lordly Morris Ankrum (the captain) and the calmly effective Evans. It's a nifty little dust-up. And speaking of adults, catch veteran radio voice Wendell Holmes as the unprincipled alibi provider. I still remember him from the 1940's Mr. District Attorney.

Anyway, the movie amounts to an engaging little teen flick distinguished by a good cast, and on the whole, better than I expected.

This film, while typical of juvenile delinquent stories of the 50s, actually gives some insight into police investigative skill and professional capability. They are shown as being truly intelligent people, a refreshing change from the usually degrading image where they seem a little less intelligent than others. As always, I enjoy these nostalgic teenage 50s films and this is no exception.

In YOUNG AND WILD, three smart Alec hoodlums plague the innocent denizens of Anytown, USA. These maniacal, 30 year old "teens" are up to no good! Mayhem, carnage, and catastrophe ensue.

Look out!

During their escape from their latest illicit act, the gang runs over Mrs. Littleoldlady, leaving her to tumble down the cold, dark, street!

Luckily, Det. Janusz (Gene Evans) is on the case. He's out to bring these thugs to justice.

This movie is a great example of the big "JD" scare of the time, being exploited beautifully! Gloriously melodramatic, it does have its moments of pathos and excitement.

Highly recommended for fans of the sub-genre...