Not when there are thugs hoping that you will fail. That is the dilemma that newspaper reporters Hilary Brooke and Phillip Reed hope in this B entry in the series based upon the popular radio program. Originally seen robbing a closed store, these kids are taken under their thumb and given jobs at newspaper. But gangsters involved in organized crime do all they can to keep the reformed kids on the wrong path, try and prevent them from reforming by becoming involved in a local basketball team.
What is essentially a cleaner version of the Bowery Boys series is actually tougher yet less streetwise in its dialogue. The kids who include Darryl Hickman and Carl Alfalfa Switzer, are trying desperately to reform, and while they are certainly not as, call as Huntz Hall and Leo Gorcey were in the Monogram series, they are definitely more well spoken yet no buffoons. There is a great car chase sequence and another seeing where one of the boys is killed resulting in their determination to go further straight. The wonderful Scottish character actress Mary Gordon has a delightful one scene cameo as the newspaper secretary who gives the idea to Brooke and Reed. While there really aren't any surprises here, it is enjoyable for what it is and even with low production values is still professionally done.
What is essentially a cleaner version of the Bowery Boys series is actually tougher yet less streetwise in its dialogue. The kids who include Darryl Hickman and Carl Alfalfa Switzer, are trying desperately to reform, and while they are certainly not as, call as Huntz Hall and Leo Gorcey were in the Monogram series, they are definitely more well spoken yet no buffoons. There is a great car chase sequence and another seeing where one of the boys is killed resulting in their determination to go further straight. The wonderful Scottish character actress Mary Gordon has a delightful one scene cameo as the newspaper secretary who gives the idea to Brooke and Reed. While there really aren't any surprises here, it is enjoyable for what it is and even with low production values is still professionally done.