Crime In The Streets (1955)

The leader (John Cassavetes) of a delinquent gang plans a revenge killing on a neighborhood man. A social worker (Robert Preston) attempts to step in and rehabilitate the young man. Written by Reginald Rose (12 ANGRY MEN) and directed by Sidney Lumet (DOG DAY AFTERNOON). Juvenile delinquency was a high profile social issue in 1955 and Hollywood was quick to take notice with films like REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE and THE BLACKBAORD JUNGLE. So did television and this acclaimed drama was performed live and the following year, it was adapted for a feature film with John Cassavetes and Mark Rydell (not yet a director) recreating their roles in the film version. It doesn't hold up well, it's simplistic (juvenile delinquency solved in an hour) and Rose's didactic script only accentuates its social message by ramming it down our throats. It's well intentioned but it doesn't make for great drama. Similarly, Lumet's direction already reveal his flaws as a director which would only be exacerbated in films like 12 ANGRY MEN and NETWORK. With Glenda Farrell, Will Kuluva and Van Dyke Parks.