Allan Arkush on WILD BOYS OF THE ROAD

William Wellman’s grueling depression-era film takes full advantage of its pre-code status. Starring Frankie Darrow as a high school dropout who hops a rail car to make ends meet, the 1933 movie fairly embraces dicey subjects like prostitution, rape and grisly death scenes. Based on a story by Daniel Ahearn with the far more appropriate title, “Desperate Youth.”
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[@AWordonWesterns]

Excellent, Allan. So happy this deserving film got the TFH insights from you. Thanks.

[@dancingdog60]

Great film! I just caught it last week on TCM!

[@gonzostick]

Hey, Allan Arkush, great commentary! Bravo!

[@johnrogers180]

Two corrections: the rape victim was not played by Dorothy Coonan... she was outside with the rest of the "hobo boys" talking to the man. Second, watch the video where the SON of William and Dorothy speaks of his father's films. He states his father didnt want flashy actresses so he hired his secretly married wife (shes 18, he's 37) Dorothy to play the part. Already married. Otherwise, thanks for the insight. How do I know about point one? Watching it right now.

[@BarryHart-xo1oy]

Thank you for the crucial information.

[@AnthonySmith-ty7ij]

I watched this film recently, quite powerful pre-code film by William A. Wellman. Wellman also made The Ox-Bow Incident, Battleground and The High and the Mighty. A powerful teen movie similar to Rebel Without A Cause.

[@0981462]

This movie is the american version of Los Olvidados (mexican) and Pixote (brazilian). Masterpieces about miserable people trying to survive, in a heartless world.

[@hwy61rv]

Exactly

[@igloocookie]

This is a surprising little movie. Watched it without knowing what it was going to be about.

[@danmedina2694]

Great film. I saw it on TCM years ago when Martin Scorsese was talking about some of his favorite movies. I was shocked at how gritty it was for its time, especially how it suggested rape. It's still excellent, even with the forced ending.

[@robertdecker4780]

The ending was rather charming, with the backflips and the headspin.

[@only257]

looks good

[@cosmicorder2]

Next time give a spoiler alert