Crime in the Streets (1956)

In the heart of a city's grim underbelly, a young gang known as The Hornets reigns supreme, their iron-fisted rule echoing through the slum neighbourhood's shadowy alleyways. The gang's volatile leader, Frankie Dane, is an eighteen-year-old firebrand, his life a bitter hand of cards dealt by a world that abandoned him. Frankie, simmering with an unfathomable anger, pushes against the world with a violent intensity, his trust issues manifesting in a fear of touch. The gang's territorial stirs and retaliatory acts keep the neighbourhood on edge. The adult populace deals with their presence in varying ways; some choose to ignore, while others like the stern Mr. McAllister, wish to see the young rebels behind bars. Amidst this, Soda shop owner Mr. Gioia struggles to keep his fifteen-year-old son, Angelo, known as 'Baby,' from being consumed by the gang's toxic influence. Working relentlessly as a waitress, Mrs. Dane helplessly watches her elder son's descent into chaos, praying her younger son, Richie, evades the poisonous allure of the gang. However, amidst this bleak landscape, social worker Ben Wagner strives to guide these misguided youths towards a better future, much like a benefactor once did for him in his own troubled youth. Tension escalates when Mr. McAllister's report leads to an altercation involving a concealed gun, pushing Frankie over the edge. Fueled by an insatiable thirst for revenge, Frankie, with 'Baby' and Lou, another gang member, plots to murder Mr. McAllister, a step far beyond their usual transgressions. Wagner, getting wind of Frankie's deadly intentions, embarks on a race against time to dissuade him from this destructive path. Meanwhile, Richie, who idolizes and fears his elder brother in equal measure, uncovers Frankie's dangerous plot. In a world where boys become gangsters at 15 and leaders seethe with untamed anger at 18, will Frankie's life spiral out of control? Or will the efforts of a single social worker be enough to veer him away from certain doom? This is the gritty tale of Crime in the Streets (1956), where every decision can lead to a crash and burn, or a chance at redemption.

Crime in the Streets is an action movie featuring James Whitmore.

Crime in the Streets is currently streaming on Spectrum On Demand.