Rua do Crime

"Crime In the Streets" tells the story of growing up in the slums, and what some young people will do to get out, or just to have a few kicks to help them forget their dead-end lives. This film's non-existent budget actually helps to add to the realism, with sets that are bleak and cheap-looking. Back alleys never looked so lurid and dangerous as they do in this sadly forgotten film. "Crime In the Streets" features some wonderful performances, especially Sal Mineo, who doesn't have enough scenes, but when he is on camera, the magic is there. Anyone who is familiar with Mineo's work knows what I'm talking about. The scene between Sal and his father is unforgettable. The actress who plays Frankie Dane's mother also gives an amazing, dramatic performance as the over-worked waitress, abandoned with two sons, all living in a dismal tenement apartment. John Cassevetes is waaaaay too old to play the 18 year old delinquent, though his performance is fine. It is depressing to witness how badly people treat each other in this film, and it is particularly disturbing to see Frankie abuse his little brother. He really treats this child savagely, hitting him, threatening him, and holding knives to his throat. I also should mention the fantastic jazz score featured, that compliments the dark, shadowy images and the taught drama unfolding on the screen. "Crime In the Streets" is almost impossible to find as there has never been an official video or DVD release. My copy is a bootleg DVD, and the quality is good enough. This and other early Sal Mineo films deserve to be re-discovered, but I don't imagine this one being re-issued any time soon. This is probably one of the best in the 50's 'JD' category.

For revenge and thrills, juvenile delinquent gang leader John Cassavetes (as Frank "Frankie" Dane) plots to kill a man. Nail-biting Sal Mineo (as Angelo "Baby" Gioia) will lure the man into an alley, open-mouthed Mark Rydell (as Lou Macklin) will hold him down, and Mr. Cassavetes will slice and dice him to death. Little brother Peter Votrian (as Richie Dane) overhears Cassavetes planning the murder, and tells concerned social worker James Whitmore (as Ben Wagner). But, try as he might, Mr. Whitmore is unable to reform Cassavetes before the scheduled stabbing.

The excellent script for "Crime in the Streets" was written by Reginald Rose, and had previously been seen as a live installment ABC-TV's "The Elgin Hour" (a dramatic anthology series). Television in the 1950s became fertile ground for great performances, and Whitmore's last attempt to reach Cassavetes, on the fire escape, is certainly high drama. The entire production is wonderfully acted; and, while Cassavetes is clearly far too old for the part, at least he gets a chance to repeat his role for film.

Mineo gives the "Hornets" some youth appeal, and shows off his ability to react to other actors. Rydell, who became quite a successful director, is interesting. The lesser roles are fine. And, seeming to come out of left field, young Votrian is startlingly good. The specially designed outdoor set gives it a surreal quality, and director Don Siegel manages it beautifully. The plot is almost Shakespearian, and with the addition of music, you could imagine a certain "West Side Story" being born...

********* Crime in the Streets (6/10/56) Don Siegel, Reginald Rose ~ John Cassavetes, James Whitmore, Sal Mineo, Peter Votrian

It's New York City. The neighborhood has gone to hell as gangs of youths beat up on each other. Frankie Dane (John Cassavetes) leads the Hornets. Local Mr. McAllister talks to the police and gets Lenny arrested. Frankie vows revenge while social worker Ben Wagner (James Whitmore) tries to save him.

Cassavetes is in his mid 20's while playing an 18 year old. He looks too old and is already graduated to a gangster. Along with the stage set and play aesthetics, there is an artificiality to the film. Despite that, Cassavetes delivers a good energy in his character with more brutality than an afterschool special. All in all, this is interesting for Cassavetes fans.

Social worker Ben Wagner (James Whitmore) tries to reach tough gang member Frankie Dane (a typically intense John Cassavetes) who is planning a revenge killing. The film, directed by Don Siegal, was based on a teleplay, and the theatrical release retains a limited (almost claustrophobic), stagy look which fits the 'dead-end' feel of the story. Street gangs in large American cities have changed a lot since the 1950s and modern audiences may view the Hornets and the Dukes to be about as menacing as West Side Story's Sharks and Jets, but much of the story remains relevant. Cassavetes is very good (although at 27, he's not a very convincing teenager), as is Sal Mineo (who was actually a teenager when the film was made) as his young buddy Angelo "Baby" Gioia. The story is solid and script very good (if you can get past the dated slang, daddy-o), which is unsurprising as the original teleplay was written by Reginald Rose, who earlier in the decade penned the iconic courtroom drama '12 Angry Men'. Films about youth culture (good or bad) often don't age well and 'Crime in the Streets' is no exception, but it is still a well-made and entertaining retro-drama.

I just saw this movie at the Don S. film festival at Film Forum, and this movie was surprisingly better than I could have expected. While it is a little preachy at times, the performances by Cassevetes and Mineo are mind-blowing in how touching and nuanced they are at such a young age.

From the beginning it is clear that this film was made on a small set in Hollywood, but you quickly forget about this and can easily become wrapped up in the story - an almost reverse Crime and Punishment parable. Cassevetes and Mineo overcome an of the actors' deficiencies even though most of the other performances such as the mother, Mineo's father, are also superb (the only truly cornball performances come from the preachy social worker, the sappy little brother and a couple of the stereotyped gang members).

The director does an amazing job of making this small slum world feel so small (the set is probably half a city block in size on the set) and tense.

Film Forum displayed Scorcese's personal copy, which was unfortunately quite damaged. Hopefully, the studio which owns this film will reprint a clean 35 mm copy or print a restored DVD. For fans of the "youth gone wild" genre or simple of Cassevetes, this movie is a true waiting-to-be rediscovered gem