At an orphanage for boys and young men down in rural Georgia, a tough-yet-sensitive teen befriends a convict at a nearby work farm; when the prisoner eventually makes a break for it, causing all hell to break loose in the small community, the kid has to decide whether to talk his friend into giving up or aid in his escape. Slow, rather dreary co-feature from Columbia, ostensibly designed as a showcase for young star Sal Mineo, though James Whitmore's haunted con has the film's best moments. Connecting with the audience in a much more immediate way than his young co-star, brawny, masculine Whitmore understands how to make his character's fear and damage work best for him. The other story threads (a visiting former-orphan attempting to buy acceptance with his newfound wealth, a salty sheriff and his deputy, and a lonely woman living in a swampland shack) never quite come together, despite good actors and location shooting. It's a puzzling movie (a cynical viewer might even say a sexually conflicted one), with awkward melodrama and interaction ultimately keeping it from being anything more than second-string fare. ** from ****
12 Reviews
Sal Mineo Grows Up the Hard Way
wes-connors23 October 2010
You're never sure what's really going on in "The Young Don't Cry", but there is enough symbolism to shake a stick at. Sensitive teenager Sal Mineo (as Leslie "Les" Henderson) walks softly on screen, carrying a big one (a stick, that is), and encounters a snake-in-the-grass. Fortunately, some work-released prisoners are digging a ditch nearby, and hard-nosed convict James Whitmore (as Rudy Krist) saves Mr. Mineo from being bitten by the rattlesnake. Mineo "bonds" with Mr. Whitmore immediately; their locking eyes are perhaps meant to convey, "You saved my life, I'm yours," since it doesn't look like, "I owe you one."
Later in the running time, Mineo gets a chance to "help" Whitmore - but, with decidedly different results...
Meanwhile, back at Georgia's "Brockton Orphanage for Boys", nice guy Mineo plays "big brother" to little Leland Mayforth (as Allan) and mixes it up with bully Paul Carr (as Tom Bradley). As it turns out, the stick Mineo was carrying in the opening was the mast of a boat he's been building. Later, Whitmore contemplates Mineo's ship for an escape attempt
The orphanage is excited by the arrival of former resident Gene Lyons (as Max Cole).
Mr. Lyons grew up to become a multi-millionaire; and, he also married whistle-inducing blonde Dolores "Roxanne" Rosedale (as Maureen). This makes Mr. Lyons a perfect role model for the "Brockton" orphans, especially manipulative Thomas A. Carlin (as Johnny Clancy). During Mr. Lyons' visit, young Carr's bullying "Bradley" steals the film, with a nicely performed outburst about some vaguely explained fishing trips. There are several other memorable performances, though. Writer Richard Jessup might have really had something, with this fine cast, had it been executed properly.
****** The Young Don't Cry (7/26/57) Alfred L. Werker ~ Sal Mineo, James Whitmore, Paul Carr, Thomas A. Carlin
Later in the running time, Mineo gets a chance to "help" Whitmore - but, with decidedly different results...
Meanwhile, back at Georgia's "Brockton Orphanage for Boys", nice guy Mineo plays "big brother" to little Leland Mayforth (as Allan) and mixes it up with bully Paul Carr (as Tom Bradley). As it turns out, the stick Mineo was carrying in the opening was the mast of a boat he's been building. Later, Whitmore contemplates Mineo's ship for an escape attempt
The orphanage is excited by the arrival of former resident Gene Lyons (as Max Cole).
Mr. Lyons grew up to become a multi-millionaire; and, he also married whistle-inducing blonde Dolores "Roxanne" Rosedale (as Maureen). This makes Mr. Lyons a perfect role model for the "Brockton" orphans, especially manipulative Thomas A. Carlin (as Johnny Clancy). During Mr. Lyons' visit, young Carr's bullying "Bradley" steals the film, with a nicely performed outburst about some vaguely explained fishing trips. There are several other memorable performances, though. Writer Richard Jessup might have really had something, with this fine cast, had it been executed properly.
****** The Young Don't Cry (7/26/57) Alfred L. Werker ~ Sal Mineo, James Whitmore, Paul Carr, Thomas A. Carlin
More than Mineo
JohnSeal25 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Whilst Sal Mineo was certainly the box office bait attached to this feature, The Young Don't Cry also offers other tantalizing tidbits for film fans. An oddly structured tale of orphans and convicts in the Deep South, the film features reliable James Whitmore as a chain gang trusty looking to escape from prison. Whitmore generally played straight arrows, so it's interesting to see him portray a morally compromised character for a change, and for better or worse it's impossible to watch his performance without thinking of his role in 1994's The Shawshank Redemption. Also on hand is Ironside's Gene Lyon as orphanage benefactor Max Cole and the great African-American actor Leigh Whipper, whose memorable performance in The Ox-Bow Incident lent that film much of its moral gravitas, and quietly spoke volumes about the state of race relations in wartime America. Uneven at best, The Young Don't Cry fails to find the right balance between its sub-plots, but is well worth watching for these three performances alone.
Oddly Affecting Despite Its Obscurity
dougdoepke5 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Odd little movie, helped greatly by filming in Georgia's swamps and orphanages that lends the action a different look and feel. There's more depth than expected from this sort of minor production. Like other older boys at the orphanage, Sal Mineo must decide his future without family to guide him. The institutional setting inclines the boys toward a defensive toughness necessary to survival in a lonely and competitive world. Mineo's instincts, however, are toward a kindness he shows in defending younger boys against bullies.
The trouble is that the lessons he learns from his peers discourages that altruistic instinct, as do the examples set by the adults he respects most-- convict Rudy (James Whitmore) and millionaire Max Cole (Gene Lyons). What's needed is an adult example that will encourage those better instincts-- but where will that encouragement come from. The basic conflict thus boils down to one between what he feels versus what he sees, and which side will ultimately win out.
New York-bred Mineo does a good job approximating a southerner, while old pro Whitmore excels as a tough con. But my money is on two minor parts. Unknown Victor Throley (Whittaker) manages the near impossible job of humanizing a prison guard, traditionally one of the most stereotyped of all movie roles. Watch his natural, unforced reactions to the various situations, quite unlike that of an actor's hype. It's a marvelous piece of work for a minor part. Also, the role of Philomena (Ruth Attaway), the fish peddler, is unusual and not really essential to the plot. Nonetheless, her presence in the burial scene recalls the color line and the Old South, lending the film a thoughtful, and potentially powerful, extra dimension. Had the screenplay connected Mineo to her instead of to Whitmore, we would have gotten a very different and, I believe, more memorable movie.
Too bad the final scene compromises its strength by softening Max Cole, the cynical idol of the boys wishes and dreams. On the other hand, had the millionaire been left at hardened loggerheads with a reformed Mineo, that would have emphasized the risky future Mineo has now embarked upon. After all, what guarantees does life provide that Mineo's or Philomena's way is in fact the best way. A more uncertain ending may not have comforted audiences, but it would at least have left them thinking. Nevertheless-- and despite the near-total obscurity-- this remains a worthwhile and affecting little movie.
The trouble is that the lessons he learns from his peers discourages that altruistic instinct, as do the examples set by the adults he respects most-- convict Rudy (James Whitmore) and millionaire Max Cole (Gene Lyons). What's needed is an adult example that will encourage those better instincts-- but where will that encouragement come from. The basic conflict thus boils down to one between what he feels versus what he sees, and which side will ultimately win out.
New York-bred Mineo does a good job approximating a southerner, while old pro Whitmore excels as a tough con. But my money is on two minor parts. Unknown Victor Throley (Whittaker) manages the near impossible job of humanizing a prison guard, traditionally one of the most stereotyped of all movie roles. Watch his natural, unforced reactions to the various situations, quite unlike that of an actor's hype. It's a marvelous piece of work for a minor part. Also, the role of Philomena (Ruth Attaway), the fish peddler, is unusual and not really essential to the plot. Nonetheless, her presence in the burial scene recalls the color line and the Old South, lending the film a thoughtful, and potentially powerful, extra dimension. Had the screenplay connected Mineo to her instead of to Whitmore, we would have gotten a very different and, I believe, more memorable movie.
Too bad the final scene compromises its strength by softening Max Cole, the cynical idol of the boys wishes and dreams. On the other hand, had the millionaire been left at hardened loggerheads with a reformed Mineo, that would have emphasized the risky future Mineo has now embarked upon. After all, what guarantees does life provide that Mineo's or Philomena's way is in fact the best way. A more uncertain ending may not have comforted audiences, but it would at least have left them thinking. Nevertheless-- and despite the near-total obscurity-- this remains a worthwhile and affecting little movie.
A Few Tears Did Get Shed For This Film
bkoganbing17 October 2010
Sal Mineo from the mean streets of the Bronx didn't quite have the acting chops to play a good old Southern home boy. Nevertheless he gives it a try in The Young Don't Cry, a most confusing film which relied primarily on his bobby sox appeal when first released.
Call me old fashioned or call me ignorant, but I'm really at a loss to understand how a kid from a boys home mixes and mingles with the convicts of a road gang in rural Georgia. But that's what we have here as Mineo seems to come and go as he pleases.
He makes friends with James Whitmore who's in for murder, for a murder he says he didn't commit, but all convicts are innocent. Whitmore is planning a crashout and he's getting help from old con Leigh Whipper.
Mineo in the meantime is having his problems at the home with the bullying Paul Carr and with the smooth talking Thomas Conlin. Whitmore knows Mineo has built his own sailing craft and he thinks it would be a big asset in his escape.
One role I really can't figure out in this film is that of Gene Lyons who plays a millionaire who was once an orphan in the home. Besides donating a gym for which he'll get a generous tax write off, his only function is to lord it over all the kids about how he made it out, but the rest won't about to nothing. He's got a beautiful wife who's also hanging around who's not crazy about what her husband does. And all those teen age hormones are going into overdrive over Dolores Rosedale.
Best in the film and he's never bad in anything is J. Carrol Naish as the head guard in the prison. Naish had one of the best ears for dialect and he cast well as just about every ethnic type you could think of. Here he plays a Southern good old boy and he's letter perfect.
I'm sure on the strength of all those teenage girls crushing out over Sal Mineo The Young Don't Cry made its money for Columbia. But it really doesn't wear well today.
Call me old fashioned or call me ignorant, but I'm really at a loss to understand how a kid from a boys home mixes and mingles with the convicts of a road gang in rural Georgia. But that's what we have here as Mineo seems to come and go as he pleases.
He makes friends with James Whitmore who's in for murder, for a murder he says he didn't commit, but all convicts are innocent. Whitmore is planning a crashout and he's getting help from old con Leigh Whipper.
Mineo in the meantime is having his problems at the home with the bullying Paul Carr and with the smooth talking Thomas Conlin. Whitmore knows Mineo has built his own sailing craft and he thinks it would be a big asset in his escape.
One role I really can't figure out in this film is that of Gene Lyons who plays a millionaire who was once an orphan in the home. Besides donating a gym for which he'll get a generous tax write off, his only function is to lord it over all the kids about how he made it out, but the rest won't about to nothing. He's got a beautiful wife who's also hanging around who's not crazy about what her husband does. And all those teen age hormones are going into overdrive over Dolores Rosedale.
Best in the film and he's never bad in anything is J. Carrol Naish as the head guard in the prison. Naish had one of the best ears for dialect and he cast well as just about every ethnic type you could think of. Here he plays a Southern good old boy and he's letter perfect.
I'm sure on the strength of all those teenage girls crushing out over Sal Mineo The Young Don't Cry made its money for Columbia. But it really doesn't wear well today.
Zero!
JohnHowardReid30 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I'd like to give this little "B"-picture a zero rating. It's a muddled and extremely talky photoplay, filmed for the most part in Hollywood's proverbial telephone booth. And as for the efforts of the director, Alfred L. Werker, I wish there was some kind of award for the worst piece of directing I've ever seen in my life! I notice that one contemporary critic has labeled the direction, "uninspired". It's actually worse than that. Much worse! It's a shame to see a fine cinematographer like Ernie Haller mixed up in this production, but even he fails to impress in this instance. In fact, the photography is as dull as the story.
The acting ranges from the totally incompetent (most notably, Sal Mineo) to the valiant efforts of "Roxanne" (Dolores Rosedale) and Leigh Whipper. But inept film editing by Maurice Wright destroys even these attempts to give the movie a bit of class.
I will admit that "The Young Don't Cry" probably plays more persuasively on TV. But as a cinema feature, it's a total wash-out!
The acting ranges from the totally incompetent (most notably, Sal Mineo) to the valiant efforts of "Roxanne" (Dolores Rosedale) and Leigh Whipper. But inept film editing by Maurice Wright destroys even these attempts to give the movie a bit of class.
I will admit that "The Young Don't Cry" probably plays more persuasively on TV. But as a cinema feature, it's a total wash-out!
Sal Mineo is excellent as usual
salmineo6 September 2001
Sal Mineo once again proves he was one of the 1950's brightest most talented stars in this very entertaining,touching film. Sal Stars as an orphan who is subjected to many hardships and discovers how important it is to be true to one's self and rise above the negativity. Along the way,a former fellow orphan returns as a rich successful man,and tries to sway Sal to change his ways in order to become a success. He also has many problems with a fellow envious orphan and is taken hostage by an escaped convict during the climax. Throughout the entire film,Sal Mineo keeps the audience interested with his superb,compelling acting. He delivers a typical knock-out performance and Sal easily carries this entire film single handed. In this role,Sal delivers a character with guts and toughness, yet manages to give him a bit of heart and vulnerability as well. Sal Mineo NEVER gave a bad performance. Sal Mineo's talents are very under-rated and it's time people remember this great icon,and this film deserves to be released on home video. Highly entertaining and a treat to any Sal Mineo fan. I am owner of Sal's official website and strongly recommend this film to be released on video.
Oddly inert
Leofwine_draca27 September 2023
THE YOUNG DON'T CRY is an oddly inert vehicle for Sal Mineo, made to build on his Oscar-winning reputation after his memorable debut turn in REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE. This black-and-white production sees him as an overaged kid at a home for orphaned children who gradually becomes involved in the lives and schemes of a bunch of chain gang prisoners digging ditches close to their school. Eventually, very eventually that is, there's a jailbreak of sorts and a little bit of action at the climax, but it's one of those films that feels lifeless and isn't even sure who the protagonist is. The best role goes to James Whitmore as a hardened criminal.
Sal Mineo was Outstanding
whpratt18 May 2008
Have always been a great fan of Sal Mineo,( Les Henderson) who plays a great role in this film as an orphan in this school for boys who encounters some very dangerous men. Les's orphanage is located near a prisoner colony with harden criminals and he meets up with Rudy Krist, (James Whitmore) who becomes friendly with him and they both exchange words dealing about Les's great interest in boating. Les brings vegetables and fresh fruits to the guards and that is why Les is allowed to speak the the prisoners. Rudy is very interested in the boat that Les has because he finds this is a great way to escape from his captivity. However, there is a warden named Plug, (J. Carrol Naish) who runs this prison camp and he is rough and tough and will stop at nothing to kill anyone who tries to escape. This is a very interesting 1957 film in black and white and it is great to see such great veteran actors as J. Carrol Naish and James Whitmore give outstanding performances.
"It's pretty terrible being alone and afraid of the dark"
richardchatten26 June 2023
The films of Alfred Werker are regularly overlooked but frequently reward attention.
Although dismissed by David Quinlan as "weak and woebegone" 'The Young Don't Cry' is actually a very respectable conclusion to his career on the big screen before he disappeared into television, showcasing Sal Mineo - who'd recently shown potential as Plato in 'Rebel without a Cause - with the help of veterans like the earlier film's cameraman Ernest Haller, composer George Anthiel and James Whitmore, J. Carroll Naish and octogenarian black actor Leigh Whipper whose career in films dated all the way back to Oscar Micheaux.
Although dismissed by David Quinlan as "weak and woebegone" 'The Young Don't Cry' is actually a very respectable conclusion to his career on the big screen before he disappeared into television, showcasing Sal Mineo - who'd recently shown potential as Plato in 'Rebel without a Cause - with the help of veterans like the earlier film's cameraman Ernest Haller, composer George Anthiel and James Whitmore, J. Carroll Naish and octogenarian black actor Leigh Whipper whose career in films dated all the way back to Oscar Micheaux.
Reviews, films, drama
holtrey-vincentelijah4 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I believe from what I viewed, I'd say this is a fantastic film for a family, although there are very violent moments in it, but it is a good movie for you to watch. This film, "The Young Don't Cry", is about a troubled teenager who befriends a colored elder, and a middle-aged prisoners. This boy voluntarily works for the orphanage, as well. The hero of the movie is Les Henderson, played by an 18-year-old Sal Mineo, who is emotionally confused, Like in "Rebel without a Cause"(also starring Mineo), but this time with a cure for his illness. These prisoners, played by James Cromwell and an elderly J. Carrol Naish, are named Rudy(Cromwell) and Plug(Naish) are planning an escape from a jail run by an abusive, yet appropriate warden and sheriff. The boy sticks up for the prisoners, whom failed to escape and instead, were killed in action on the job, by none other than the warden, Les, was protecting Rudy, but failed, due to an earlier explanation. The warden, outraged by what the boy boldly said, whips the young man and abuses him for no apparent reason, presumably the anger, only to learn what he had done, he loses his job as a warden and sent to another town. This movie is spoiled already, but continue to watch the film, as it builds up to the reason why did this happen. That is the most important part of the film, what I haven't explained in this blessed review of this brilliant film. Next time if it is shown at an arts film festival or comes on Turner Classic Movies(TM), see it. This is a really great movie, and I recommend any audience to see it, although, not many details perfect the film, but an instant sensation.
Young Don't Cry ***
edwagreen14 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Gripping tale at an orphanage where Sal Mineo, for a change, is not that rebel with a totally embittered attitude about the world around him. In fact, he wants to succeed the honest way.
He meets up with convicted killer James Whitmore. Unknown to Mineo, Whitmore is planning to escape from the prison and eventually will meet up with Mineo in his boat and force him to help him.
This is basically a tale about getting the best things out of life the honorable way.
There is a sidebar story of a graduate from the orphanage who became a millionaire and returns to the orphanage to donate money. The guy has everything going for him. He has the looks, the fast car, the blond wife; but unfortunately he is quite arrogant and feels that everyone around him is just looking for a handout. The movie shows that he is humbled at the end and comes back down to reality.
An unrecognizable J. Carrol Naish is the warden who is unrelenting. Mean to the core, he will stop at nothing when the Whitmore character escapes. He tries to blame Mineo for willing helping him.
A positive movie for Mr. Mineo for a change.
He meets up with convicted killer James Whitmore. Unknown to Mineo, Whitmore is planning to escape from the prison and eventually will meet up with Mineo in his boat and force him to help him.
This is basically a tale about getting the best things out of life the honorable way.
There is a sidebar story of a graduate from the orphanage who became a millionaire and returns to the orphanage to donate money. The guy has everything going for him. He has the looks, the fast car, the blond wife; but unfortunately he is quite arrogant and feels that everyone around him is just looking for a handout. The movie shows that he is humbled at the end and comes back down to reality.
An unrecognizable J. Carrol Naish is the warden who is unrelenting. Mean to the core, he will stop at nothing when the Whitmore character escapes. He tries to blame Mineo for willing helping him.
A positive movie for Mr. Mineo for a change.
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