Youth Runs Wild (1944)
November 22, 2024 6:56 AM - Subscribe
[TRAILER] The teens of a defense-plant town hop on the road to juvenile delinquency while their parents are busy with the war. One of just two films produced by Val Lewton for RKO that was not horror.
Starring Bonita Granville, Kent Smith, Jean Brooks, Glen Vernon, Vanessa Brown, Lawrence Tierney.
Directed by Mark Robson. Written by John Fante, Herbert Kline (story), Ardel Wray (add'l dialogue). Produced by Val Lewton for RKO Radio Pictures. Cinematography by John J. Mescall. Edited by John Lockert. Music by Paul Sawtell.
The film was inspired by a photo essay that appeared in Look magazine on September 21, 1943. Look, however, did not like the completed film, describing it as an "outworn, stale documentary", and they refused to promote the film in the magazine, or even to allow their name to be used in the film's credits. Some copies of the film do carry on the main title card (including the linked version below) the legend:
Inspired by the LOOK Magazine Picture Story
"ARE THESE OUR CHILDREN?"
RKO attempted to position the film as authentic by showing it to various state and local authorities concerned with juvenile delinquency, but they also did not receive the film well. The studio's efforts did bring the film to the attention of the U.S. State Department, which expressed concern that focusing on juvenile delinquency at that moment might have a detrimental effect on national morale.
Lewton argued that the intent of the film was to draw attention to a national problem and help bring about measures to solve it, which would do the country more good than harm. ... RKO decided not to pull the film from active production, but because of its controversial subject matter, Lewton was given more supervision than usual, much to his displeasure.
RKO tested two versions of the film, Lewton's and another in which several scenes had been cut, including one where an abused teenager killed his sadistic father. The final released version was the studio's cut. As a result, some of the actors listed in the credits do not actually appear in the film. Lewton later disavowed the final version of the film and attempted to have his name removed from it. The request was denied him by RKO.
A (decidedly mixed) contemporaneous review from Time magazine:
Starring Bonita Granville, Kent Smith, Jean Brooks, Glen Vernon, Vanessa Brown, Lawrence Tierney.
Directed by Mark Robson. Written by John Fante, Herbert Kline (story), Ardel Wray (add'l dialogue). Produced by Val Lewton for RKO Radio Pictures. Cinematography by John J. Mescall. Edited by John Lockert. Music by Paul Sawtell.
The film was inspired by a photo essay that appeared in Look magazine on September 21, 1943. Look, however, did not like the completed film, describing it as an "outworn, stale documentary", and they refused to promote the film in the magazine, or even to allow their name to be used in the film's credits. Some copies of the film do carry on the main title card (including the linked version below) the legend:
Inspired by the LOOK Magazine Picture Story
"ARE THESE OUR CHILDREN?"
RKO attempted to position the film as authentic by showing it to various state and local authorities concerned with juvenile delinquency, but they also did not receive the film well. The studio's efforts did bring the film to the attention of the U.S. State Department, which expressed concern that focusing on juvenile delinquency at that moment might have a detrimental effect on national morale.
Lewton argued that the intent of the film was to draw attention to a national problem and help bring about measures to solve it, which would do the country more good than harm. ... RKO decided not to pull the film from active production, but because of its controversial subject matter, Lewton was given more supervision than usual, much to his displeasure.
RKO tested two versions of the film, Lewton's and another in which several scenes had been cut, including one where an abused teenager killed his sadistic father. The final released version was the studio's cut. As a result, some of the actors listed in the credits do not actually appear in the film. Lewton later disavowed the final version of the film and attempted to have his name removed from it. The request was denied him by RKO.
A (decidedly mixed) contemporaneous review from Time magazine:
Youth Runs Wild is not a very competent film nor, as entertainment, is it likely to be very successful. But it contains elements which are far superior to competence or success. Indeed, the hope for great films in Hollywood seems just now to be shared about evenly by Val Lewton and by Preston Sturges, with the odds, perhaps, on Lewton.JustWatch listing. Not currently available via conventional streaming in the US, but a VHS-sourced copy has been uploaded in full to the Internet Archive.
Yeah this is not a great work but I'm a bit more fond of it. It is totally of its time and the troubled Lawrence Tierney is a great & hulking presence here (an up and coming actor, notably for 1945's Dillinger, but plagued by alcoholism and trouble with the law so his potential was muted). And that John Fante credit for the writing? That's THE John Fante from the period when he was working in Hollywood. So yeah great credentials but not so great final work. I think it is worth watching for Lewton completionists and fans of juvenile delinquent films.
posted by Ashwagandha at 8:09 AM on November 22 [1 favorite]
posted by Ashwagandha at 8:09 AM on November 22 [1 favorite]
Also, can we reflect how bonkers it is that Toddy dies from injuries sustained when one of the delinquents does a kung-fu throw and lands a grown ass man on her head?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:53 PM on November 22
posted by DirtyOldTown at 4:53 PM on November 22
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
There are little bits of his spark, notably in the way that Lawrence Tierney's tire-stealing hood and Bonita Granville as his moll don't mean to draw the kids into the bad life, they just sense that the kids are neglected and their world is all they have to offer.
But many of characterizations are either one-note or have been edited to the point of making them cardboard. Frankie's parents work all night and sleep all day, so he's getting into trouble! Sarah wouldn't be walking the wayward path, but after a tough shift at the plant, her mom and dad just want to cut loose and have some drinks, so she's on her own, see?
It's not unwatchable, but I don't think I'd ever bother a second time. It's mostly a curiosity for Lewton fans.
If you've seen Reservoir Dogs this is the same Lawrence Tierney who plays Joe Cabot, the older boss of the gang in that film.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 7:05 AM on November 22