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Affiliated Film ProducersDropout, The (Part I) (1962)

Uses case studies to show why teenagers drop out of high school. Explains that some have problems in school, need money, are socially isolated and wish to assume an adult role. Filmed in Los Angeles. Writer and producer: Irving Jacoby. Director: Henwar Rodakiewicz.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: Affiliated Film Producers
Sponsor: National Education Association and Mental Health Film Board
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: Social guidance; Teenagers; Society: Education

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: ERD - - September 25, 2006
Subject: Effective film for its time (Parts 1 & 2)
This excellent 1962 film showed reasons why teenagers dropped out, why many of the schools failed such students, and how schools could be effective in helping such youngsters. Both parts 1 & 2(which make up the complete film)should be watched for continuity. Today, many strives have been made in public education (including the GED programs, but there is still a problem of dropouts- made worse when financial shortage takes away programs and services.

Reviewer: Christine Hennig - - September 23, 2006
Subject: He Didn't Play It Cool or Stay in School
Robert drops out of high school, finds that he can't get a job, and generally crashes and burns. This film epitomizes the concept of "downward spiral", accompanied by an unsympathetic narrator. The film's one purpose was obviously to scare teens into staying in school, so Robert's future is shown to be essentially hopeless. This would make a good short for a film noir double feature, say Double Indemnity as "A" and Detour as "B". Its abrupt, unresolved ending is a good lead-in to a couple of dark, feature-length noir films.
Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: **. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ***.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - April 26, 2003
Subject: Tune in... Dropout...
The 60's dropout is explored in this film, which starts out very interestingly, then just kind of moves along, not really too sure where to go (gee.. just like... dropouts! what an amazing film technique!).. From the beginning, with it's great music, dialogue, and fashions, we hope for a real swinging time, but it seagues into typical teen warning film, as several cases of drop outs are explored. Some are interesting (Ellen) and some are not. Still, interesting to look at and maybe of use of your time.

Shotlist

Depicts various factors that stimulate teenagers to drop out of school, using several case histories for illustration. Lists various reasons for dropping out, such as academic failure, need for money, and lack of being part of a group. Illustrates the feeling of a need to grow up on the part of the dropouts as they try to assume an adult role. Explains the 4-4 plan (4 hours in school and 4 hours at work), the work of the counselor, and the contribution of the "work experienced" educator. Emphasizes that dropping out is not a short cut to the adult world.

Great streetscape and signage shots of Southern California.
Danger Lurks Safety