The Young Stranger

Pleasant JD Fare
1957's "The Young Stranger" was the debut of teen idol James MacArthur and introduced him in fare that could have starred Sal Mineo if there weren't room for someone else to take the gauntlet. MacArthur would later be featured in Disney fare so he did well in his debut. Like Mineo's "Dino," "The Young Stranger" written by Robert Dozier was supposedly based on a play also. Also in the cast are James Daley as the father and Kim Hunter as the mother with Whit Bissell, James Gregory and a young Jack Mullaney as an already established juvenile delinquent, something the plot seems to want to peg the young stranger as having as his potential. It was a rather pleasant experience and also featured the debut of director John Frankenheimer ("The Manchurian Candidate," "Grand Prix" and "The Gypsy Moths.") Thank you, Warner Archive, once again for the great job bringing this rare entertainment to home screens. 16 x 9 in b&w.

Nice Family Drama
This is a nice family drama that explores a son's conflicted relationship with his father. It shows the sad consequences that result when father's spend much time trying to become rich and famous and calously neglect to care for and love their sons.

Excellent sensitive coming of age drama
I found this film to be a gem. I was a teenager in the 1950's and this film was so painfully true. Far better than Rebel Without a Cause. I was also tremendously impressed with James MacArthur. I only knew him from his excellent Disney films.

Click to Editorial Reviews