

Movie spotlight
Reform School
A female warden takes over at a state reform school and attempts to bring about needed changes. Restored in 2020 by the Academy Film Archive with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts from a 16mm print donated by Giancarlo Esposito and Laurence Fishburne.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young boy, wrongly convicted of robbery, is sent to a harsh reform school where he faces brutality and corruption. He befriends another inmate and together they try to survive the unforgiving environment while seeking a way to prove his innocence. The film explores themes of juvenile delinquency and the failures of the penal system.
Critical Reception
Reform School was received with moderate attention for its time, often noted for its early depiction of the harsh realities within juvenile correctional facilities. While not a major critical darling, its social commentary and performances, particularly from its young lead, garnered some notice.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its gritty portrayal of reform school life.
Praised for its performances, especially by its young cast.
Commented on for its social relevance regarding youth justice.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was part of a wave of social problem pictures in Hollywood during the late 1930s, aiming to tackle contemporary societal issues, even if through a melodramatic lens.
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