The Young Stranger (1957)

Director:

John Frankenheimer

Writers:

Robert Dozier (screenplay)
Robert Dozier (television play "Deal a Blow")

Release Date:

1 February 1957 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

When a 16-year-old, neglected by his movie producer father, gets in trouble, his father doesn't believe his claim of self-defense.

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

James MacArthur	...	Harold James 'Hal' Ditmar
Kim Hunter	...	Helen Ditmar
James Daly	...	Thomas 'Tom' Ditmar
James Gregory	...	Police Sgt. Shipley
Whit Bissell	...	Grubbs, Theater Manager
Jeffrey Silver	...	Jerry Doyle
Jack Mullaney	...	Confused Boy
Tom Pittman	...	Lynn Spears
Charles Davis	...	Detective
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Gary Vinson	...	Boy in Courtroom (scenes deleted)

Runtime:

84 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Certification:

Finland:K-12 | USA:Approved | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

John Marshall High School - 3939 Tracy Street, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Stuart Miller Productions

Quotes:

Teen: You know, they arrested me for car theft. My dad's car! Gee if I'd known I was gonna get caught, I'd have done pretty much better for myself. My dad's car---what a heap!

Movie Connections:

References "Dragnet" (1951)

A classic

From the very beginning this movie is a classic of the teens-in-trouble genre - or of any genre. In many respects it is better than "Rebel Without a Cause" with its stunning black and white cinematography, far less pretentious and overwrought plot, and scrupulous avoidance of anything smacking of exploitation. Performances are absolutely breathtaking, even those of secondary characters. The music is just perfect, a dream. Stylistically this is as good as it gets. The plot matches the subdued, sensitive style. But there is a fly in the ointment. The movie overplays its cards, pleading for so much compassion for a young man who doesn't quite merit it, that one tends to side with the theater manager whom he assaulted. The boy's feelings are so tender, that even when he escapes punishment he wants his victim and parents and society in general to admit that he wouldn't have deserved it, had he been so unlucky as to have gotten it. That is going too far. That is emotional blackmail. It's a nasty, bullying streak that the writer feeds and rewards. The implication seems to be that all the sensitive youth are concentrated in the upper strata of society. The wealthier the more "sensitive" kids are. That's occasion for mirth. Poor youngsters are as entitled to say "we are also sensitive", we are also going through phases, and we also need understanding and tender loving care.