the late 1930s, Jackie Cooper's stock in Hollywood took a nosedive. The once cute child star from MGM was now a not particularly cute teen--and forced to seek work from third-rate studio Monogram. It's a shame, actually, as the kid could still act--the only thing that changed was his age.
In "Gangster's Boy", Jackie doesn't realize that his absent father is a mobster. Now, after a five year absence, the old man returns--and the neighborhood is abuzz about the guy. Now EVERYONE knows about Cooper's dad and suddenly many of his so-called 'friends' have begun to ostracize him. As a result, all this once-popular student's great plans to attend West Point are on hold. Eventually, however, his fellow students come around and begin to accept him once again--when tragedy strikes in the form of a traffic accident. Many are quick to assume he's guilty, as he's just the son of a gangster.
Overall, the film is about what you'd expect from Monogram. It has fair acting and direction but a far cry from the MGM films. There also are a few uncomfortable moments when the film seemed to be padded with lame dance sequences as well as a chance to hear Cooper play drums (though apparently in slow-motion). It's all watchable but not much more.
In "Gangster's Boy", Jackie doesn't realize that his absent father is a mobster. Now, after a five year absence, the old man returns--and the neighborhood is abuzz about the guy. Now EVERYONE knows about Cooper's dad and suddenly many of his so-called 'friends' have begun to ostracize him. As a result, all this once-popular student's great plans to attend West Point are on hold. Eventually, however, his fellow students come around and begin to accept him once again--when tragedy strikes in the form of a traffic accident. Many are quick to assume he's guilty, as he's just the son of a gangster.
Overall, the film is about what you'd expect from Monogram. It has fair acting and direction but a far cry from the MGM films. There also are a few uncomfortable moments when the film seemed to be padded with lame dance sequences as well as a chance to hear Cooper play drums (though apparently in slow-motion). It's all watchable but not much more.