John Frankenheimer first made a name for himself on TV but this, his cinematic directorial debut, already displays touches of considerable accomplishment, and he certainly extracts top notch performances from all actors, most notably MacArthur as the youngster getting into trouble for misbehaving at a movie theater; Kim Hunter and James Daly as his parents with differing levels of concern; and James Gregory, as the police sergeant who refuses to believe MacArthur's version but ultimately realizes his mistake.
It all goes back to a time after WWII when youngsters were growing in a society increasingly prone to violence. One very authentic detail: Hal (MacArthur) does not have a girlfriend at age 16. This situation is entirely dealt with at home and police precinct, with a brief visit to a friend whose father finds MacArthur a bad influence. There is no Natalie Wood here, unlike what James Dean had in REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955). Here the beef is with his father, who spends too much time working to give enough attention to his beautiful wife (Hunter) who sleeps in a different bed, and to his son. Daly plays very capably the distant father used to running the show at work, and not listening to anyone, especially not his family.
I found this a very engaging and believable film, with sharp dialogue, and competent cinematography. 7/10.
It all goes back to a time after WWII when youngsters were growing in a society increasingly prone to violence. One very authentic detail: Hal (MacArthur) does not have a girlfriend at age 16. This situation is entirely dealt with at home and police precinct, with a brief visit to a friend whose father finds MacArthur a bad influence. There is no Natalie Wood here, unlike what James Dean had in REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955). Here the beef is with his father, who spends too much time working to give enough attention to his beautiful wife (Hunter) who sleeps in a different bed, and to his son. Daly plays very capably the distant father used to running the show at work, and not listening to anyone, especially not his family.
I found this a very engaging and believable film, with sharp dialogue, and competent cinematography. 7/10.