Crime in the Streets **** (1956, John Cassavetes, Sal Mineo, James Whitmore, Mark Rydell) – Classic Movie Review 5251

John Cassavetes (aged 26 but playing 18) stars as Frankie Dane, a teenage crime boss who comes back from the edge of committing a vengeance murder of a neighbour because of the intervention of social worker Ben Wagner (James Whitmore) and the devoted love of his little brother, Richie (Peter J Votrian).

Delivering a fine, cultish little 1956 film noir crime drama movie, Don Siegel directs tautly and imaginatively. Always great with actors, Siegel also encourages good gritty acting from the young star, as well as Sal Mineo and Mark Rydell (who later became a film director, along with Cassavetes) as Angelo and Lou, his cohorts in crime.

It also stars Virginia Gregg as Mrs Dane, Will Kuluva and Malcolm Atterbury.

The screenplay is adapted by Reginald Rose from his classic Fifties TV script.

Also in the cast are Denise Alexander, Dan Terranova, Peter Miller and Steve Rowland as Glasses.

The advert line Rebels With Cause? reminds us that Mineo was in Rebel Without a Cause.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5251

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John Cassavetes (1929–1989).

Sal Mineo (1939–1976).