The Young Stranger (1957)

Caught in the glitzy web of Beverly Hills, sixteen-year-old Hal Ditmar is the son of renowned movie producer Tom Ditmar and his wife Helen. Despite the opulence of their lives, Hal grapples with a gnawing isolation. His father, a man physically present yet emotionally absent, is more engrossed in his work than in his role as a parent. Tom's detachment kindles a rebellious streak in Hal, igniting sparks of belligerence towards strangers, where the repercussions are fleeting and inconsequential. Yet, Hal's truthfulness remains his steadfast companion. One fateful day, Hal's volatile demeanor incites a minor altercation at a theatre, an argument that spirals into a fight with the theatre manager, Grubbs. Hal's altercation escalates to an assault charge. Although Hal insists his actions were a simple act of self-defense, the law and those around him see a potential juvenile delinquent. Sgt. Shipley, the police detective leading the juvenile division, sees Hal as a brash youth who needs to grasp the gravity of his actions. In the face of this crisis, Tom Ditmar's primary concern is to shield his family's reputation. He attempts to leverage his influential friends and keep Hal's record clean, while dispensing punishment at home without considering Hal's side of the story. This approach only serves to widen the chasm between father and son. In the midst of this family turmoil, Helen Ditmar becomes the bridge striving to mend the widening gap. As tensions rise, the question lingers: will the escalating conflict bring father and son to a breaking point, or will it lead to a much-needed reconciliation? The answer could either light their way towards understanding or shroud their relationship in perpetual darkness. This captivating tale is a poignant exploration of familial bonds, adolescent rebellion, and the quest for parental validation.

The Young Stranger is a drama movie featuring James MacArthur.

It is possible to buy The Young Stranger on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.