Probation
Janet Holman is suspicious of her fiancé, Allen Wells, after he kisses her best friend Gwen when the lights are turned out during a party. Allen leaves early, purportedly for business reasons, but in reality, he is going to visit his secret girl friend, seventeen-year-old Ruth Jarrett. When Ruth's neighbor and landlady, Mrs. Humphries, overhears her talking to Allen on the phone, she becomes morally outraged and calls the police. Ruth is taken away to juvenile hall, and when Ruth's older brother Nick comes home to celebrate Ruth's birthday, Mrs. Humphries explains that Ruth has been seeing an older, wealthy man who has been leading her astray, and that she sent her away for her own good. Nick is saddened that he has failed to keep Ruth on the right track, and when he returns to his apartment, he becomes enraged to see Allen there. When Allen claims ignorance of Ruth's age, Nick hits him, and they engage in a brawl.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man, recently released from prison, is given a chance at redemption by a sympathetic probation officer. However, his past and the temptations of his old life threaten to pull him back into crime. He must navigate a difficult path to prove his sincerity and build a new future.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Probation' received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its earnest attempt to tackle social issues and its performances, while others found its plot somewhat predictable and melodramatic. It is generally considered a standard, albeit earnest, crime drama of its era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its attempt at a redemption narrative.
- Some found the plot to be too formulaic for its time.
- Performances were noted as decent within the genre.
Google audience: Audience reception information for this early film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This film was produced by Monogram Pictures, which was known for its lower-budget B-movies during the early sound era, often focusing on crime and melodrama.
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