The Young Savages (1961)

Burt Lancaster turns in quite a considered performance here as the assistant DA charged with prosecuting three lads for the murder of a blind fifteen year old boy who was sitting on the steps outside his home. There's no jeopardy as to the crime, nor to it's perpetrators - we all see that at the start, but what does now ensue is a reasonable foray into the psychology of urban living in a city rise with racism, bigotry, sexism, mental illness and intimidation. With his boss (Edward Andrews) going for the state Governor's job, there's political pressure on him to deliver a clear and concise result, but the more he explores their respective living environments, he begins to appreciate a little more of the causes of the never ending cycle of violence, poverty and crime that exists in so many communities. Though it's a little schoolboy in nature, it also takes a look at the psychology of a killer and demonstrates that there may be more recognisable, psychopathic, traits but there are also other pressures in relation to acceptance, or bullying or fear that drive people to start or join gangs, and to go with the flow - even when they know it's the wrong thing to do. It maybe does contrive to throw one too many issues into the melting pot, but on the whole it's a solid vehicle for a star, is quite thought-provoking at times, and is worth a watch.