Youth Runs Wild (1944)

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, "Youth Runs Wild" captures the plight of two working-class families: the Hausers and the Taylors, who reside side by side in a neighborhood where innocence collides with harsh realities. As the adults sacrifice their time for the war effort, their progeny are left to navigate life largely unsupervised. Among them are the sweet-natured Frankie Hauser and Sarah Taylor, two fifteen-year-olds whose budding romance defies the Hausers' prejudice against the Taylors. Frankie, driven by a desire to gift Sarah on her birthday, finds himself caught in the shady underworld of Duncan's Garage, a tire theft operation run by the enigmatic Larry Duncan. Meanwhile, Sarah is burdened with the responsibilities of her household, as her parents prioritize their own pleasures over their daughter's well-being. The arrival of Purple Heart recipient, Dan Coates, Frankie's brother-in-law, brings a glimmer of hope. He steps into the role of a potential guardian, attempting to steer Frankie and his friends away from the path of delinquency. Simultaneously, Toddy Jones, Larry's girlfriend who has known the harsh truths of life all too early, takes Sarah under her wing, hoping to rescue her from her tumultuous home life. However, her solution, drawn from her own experiences, might not be the ideal haven for innocent Sarah. Caught in a whirlwind of juvenile mischief, societal prejudice, and familial neglect, the youths must confront their realities. Can Dan and Toddy, both carrying the scars of their own pasts, guide these young souls towards a better future? "Youth Runs Wild" is a riveting tale of love, survival, and the desperate search for guidance in a world turned upside down by war.

Youth Runs Wild is a drama movie featuring Bonita Granville.

Youth Runs Wild is currently streaming on TCM.