Wild Boys of the Road

"Wild Boys of the Road" is an American pre-Code drama film from 1933, directed by William A. Wellman and starring Frankie Darro, Rochelle Hudson, and Edwin Phillips. The movie follows the struggles of a group of teenagers during the Great Depression as they are forced to leave their homes and families to find work and avoid starvation. The film sheds light on the social issues of the time and the struggles of young people trying to survive on their own.

The story takes place during the height of the Great Depression, and teenagers Eddie Smith (Frankie Darro) and Tommy Gordon (Edwin Phillips) are two boys from Ohio who lose their homes and families due to the financial collapse. Desperate to survive, they hit the road and become part of a group of teenage drifters, who hop on trains and travel to different cities in search of work.

The group of boys, including Eddie and Tommy, soon face many challenges on their journey, including lack of food, shelter, and money. Along the way, they meet Sally (Rochelle Hudson), a teenage girl who is also traveling alone and looking for work. The boys and Sally team up, and together they face numerous obstacles and challenges on their road to survival.

One of the main themes of the film is the economic hardships that people faced during the Great Depression. The teenagers are forced to leave their homes and families to find work and avoid famine. The movie portrays the harsh reality of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness during this time, with many people living in squalid conditions or resorting to crime to survive.

The film also highlights the social issues of the time, with the boys often encountering corrupt cops and businessmen who exploit them for their own gain. The teenagers are seen as a nuisance, and the adults often discriminate against them for their appearance and behavior.

Despite these challenges, the film also shows the resilience and camaraderie of the teenagers, who stick together and rely on each other for support. The film is filled with moments of humor, optimism, and hope, as the boys try to make the most of their difficult circumstances.

The acting in the film is superb, with Frankie Darro putting in a standout performance as the leader of the group. Rochelle Hudson is also excellent as Sally, a strong and independent young woman who holds her own against the boys. The rest of the teenage cast is also impressive, with each actor bringing a unique personality and charm to their roles.

The direction by William A. Wellman is masterful, with the film capturing the authentic look and feel of the time period. The cinematography is stunning, with the dark, shadowy imagery adding to the film's gritty and authentic atmosphere. The score is also notable, with the music adding an extra layer of emotion and humanity to the story.

Overall, "Wild Boys of the Road" is a powerful and poignant film that captures the spirit and struggles of the youth during the Great Depression. The movie explores themes of poverty, unemployment, and social injustice, but also offers hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Great Depression era.