Popular small town Andrew Jackson High School senior Jackie Cooper (as Lawrence "Larry" Kelly) is looking forward to attending West Point with best friend Tommy Wonder (as William "Bill" Davis). Mr. Cooper is also romancing his pal's shapely sister Lucy Gilman (as Julie Davis). Things get even better for Cooper when his father returns, after a long absence. However, jovial and wealthy Robert Warwick (as Tim 'Knuckles' Kelly) comes back into town with a secret - he's an ex-gangster!
When a pair of reporters breaks the news, Cooper is ostracized as a "Gangster's Boy"...
This is a mediocre production for Cooper, who could still be impressive in a good role; alas, they were getting fewer and farther between. Cooper does his best, and plays the drums well. Also impressive are some of his young friends. Telling Cooper, "My old man was a bootlegger too," future "East Side Kids" regular Bobby Stone (as Salvatore) makes a swell impression. And, Mr. Wonder is the highlight, in a great dance routine. Today, he'd be break-dancing at Glendale's Hoover High School...
***** Gangster's Boy (11/16/38) William Nigh ~ Jackie Cooper, Tommy Wonder, Robert Warwick, Bobby Stone