Bob Steele plays a somewhat callous young man with a smirking, sadistic approach to his interpersonal dealings. He is involved with some less-than-savory fellows, but one can tell he just needs the right impetus to find his true moral compass. The film has a for-grownups kind of feel with some quirky interpersonal relationships on display. The dialog and acting are pretty good, but with the occasional choppy transitions inherent in a B-western. All in all, it is a serious and fairly well-presented cowboy drama for 1932.
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glennstenb22 November 2018
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JohnHowardReid15 August 2015One for Charles King's legion of fans! He actually receives third billing here and thoroughly deserves that accolade. He's in the movie in almost every scene. The film is also of interest for the presence of Naomi Judge who enjoys a good innings in this one as Countess Lola Montaine, even though her pet monkey does do his level best to steal her scenes! In other respects, however, Young Blood is a pretty routine offering from Poverty Row, burdened with two or three glaringly obvious monetary short cuts. The best one can say of Phil Rosen's direction is that, given the film's tight budget, it's reasonably competent. The movie does tend to outstay its welcome, and it does seem to run longer than its official 56 DVD minutes, despite the gallant efforts of the players including much-in-demand silent star, Helen Foster, who plays our hero's love interest (she has a good voice too). But as I said right at the beginning, it's Charles King's movie and an absolute must- see for his many followers. Available on a very good Alpha DVD.
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morrisonhimself12 November 2020Bob Steele was one of the best cowboy stars, ever. He was a great rider and an actor who just kept getting better and better. His writers and directors often gave him room to play different types of characters.
Here his character has some internal conflicts, being a robber with standards and who is in love with a girl who wants him to be or become something.
She is played by Helen Foster, a very capable actress who shortly after this movie played mostly uncredited parts. A shame.
Perennial bad guy Charles King had a field day, when his character falls in love with the exotic entertainer. In 1932 he was in slim and athletic condition.
Hank Bell, with hundreds of uncredited roles, gets a pivotal part this time and stands out, which he does even in those uncredited roles.
Despite the low budget, the actors and script make this a good one to watch and there is a pretty good version at YouTube. Enjoy.