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Young and Dangerous

Name: Young and Dangerous
Director: William F. Claxton
Released: 1957
Duration: 78 min

Representation Score

0.9/10

Minimal

1957

Approved

Director

William F. Claxton

Runtime

78 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Young and Dangerous is a typical mid-century drama that prioritizes the reinforcement of traditional social hierarchies. The story follows a restorative arc where the protagonist moves from delinquency toward social conformity. The film lacks complexity in representing diverse identities, focusing instead on a narrow, homogeneous view of adolescent life. It functions as a standard genre piece that aligns with the established social order of the 1950s. While it explores the tension between youth and authority, it ultimately validates parental and institutional expectations through its resolution.

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Category Breakdown

Does Young and Dangerous have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film strictly adheres to the 1950s assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender. There is no evidence of queer subtext or diverse gender identities.

How does Young and Dangerous portray gender?

Limited

Rosemary Clinton serves as a catalyst for the male lead's growth, but her role remains largely reactive. The story emphasizes male peer dynamics and traditional masculine roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Young and Dangerous?

Minimal

The film depicts a homogeneous social environment. It reflects the era's tendency to show white, middle-class adolescent life as the norm.

How does Young and Dangerous represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative reinforces the stability of traditional Western institutions like family and education. It focuses on social reintegration rather than critiquing established societal norms.

Does Young and Dangerous include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of visible or invisible disabilities within the film's context.

Present on Screen

Explores the mid-century tension between youthful anti-social behavior and established social institutions.

Limited or Absent

Lacks racial and ethnic diversity, presenting a largely homogeneous social environment.
Features limited women's ability to drive the story, with the female lead acting primarily as a catalyst for male development.
Provides no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or individuals with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Tommy Price is the leader of a gang of young thugs interested in thrills, hot rods and girls. His friends bet him he can't make it with 17-year-old Rosemary Clinton. Their date turns out badly and her parents forbid her to see him again. They keep meeting, and the relationship changes him to the extent that he plans on going to college and changing his life, which delights his parents.

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