“DANGEROUS YEARS”

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 230, 24 June 1932, Page 16

“DANGEROUS YEARS”

Pitfalls of Youth PROBABLY one of the most true-to-life stories ever written is “Dangerous Years,” a talc of youth at the crossroads of life, which has been adapted to the screen by the Fox Film Corporation. “Dangerous Youth” is a slice of life, and deals with the activities of a misunderstood boy, who, though possessed of a heart of gold, has no proper home influences, and always manages to get mixed up in some trouble or other, with the result that he earns the title of “the worst boy in town.” How the Juvenile Court authorities seek to set his feet firmly on the right path and how he tries his hardest to be a credit to • those who have helped him—even to the extent of ruining his own happiness and of almost losing his life —are depicted in a manner that speaks volumes for the genius of Frank Borzage, who directed, this masterpiece. Nothing is overdone. Nothing is overacted. The Juvenile Court scenes are remarkable for their adherence to detail, and the glimpses of home life in a small town set a standard seldom achieved on the screen. The perfect acting of all members of the cast is one of the chief features of the film. Youthful actors, as a rule, show signs of “staginess,” but in the two boys who are seen in “Dangerous Years” we have the exception to the rule. Tommy Conlon, who plays Arthur, the “good-bad boy,” and Raymond Borzage, who is seen as “Nutty,” Arthur’s pal, are unquestionably the two finest and most natural young stars who have ever appeared on the screen. So fervently does Tommy Condon enter into the spirit of his part that it is safe to say that there will not be a person who sees this show who will not follow his adventures as if they were watching the destiny of someone near and dear to themselves. Splendid performances are given by Ralph Bellamy, Doris Kenyon. Beryl Mercer and Spencer Tracy. “Dangerous Years,” which will be released very shortly, is really a story of youths’ fight for happiness in the face of heavy odds, and faithfully depicts a problem which ever confronts the welfare oflijeers of our own.country. j