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Encyclopaedia Britannica FilmsWhy Vandalism? (1955)

Life of a teenage outsider; what makes him that way and how his anger flares into violence.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: Encyclopaedia Britannica Films
Sponsor: N/A
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: Juvenile delinquency; Psychology; Crime and criminals

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: darthkevin - - October 31, 2007
Subject: hmmm
I see what inspired s.e. hinton

Reviewer: Spuzz - - September 24, 2005
Subject: If Only Jeff had a pet!!
Classic Juvie joint that tells of three kids, Jeff, Donny and Ed. All come from non-moralized homes. They dont go to any of the activities planned by the community center (free movies pshaw!) and wont even go to church! So they do what they need to do for kicks, they break into the school and vandalize the science teachers lab,.killing the rabbit Jeff had a hankering for. Awwwww! It was all white and fluffy and put his nose against his jacket! You see, if only Jeff had a pet, NONE of this would have ever happened!

This should be an ASPCA recruitment video for sure.

Reviewer: MediaWhore - - December 6, 2004
Subject: Why Not?
The narrator of this nifty little film explains to us that Jeff and his gang of hodlum pals are merely using vandalism as a means to compensate for a lack of love and compassion from others in their life. In the end when they are all caught for starting a fire and hauled off to court the judge scolds these kids parents for their lack of teaching morales to these kids. The judge also blames society for failing these kids, but ultimately sends Jeff and his buddys off to federal, pound me in the ass prison. This movie could have been easily wrapped up in 7 minutes but instead draws out for 15 or so. I would have also liked to have seen more window breaking and general run a muckness!

Reviewer: Steve Nordby - - October 13, 2003
Subject: Why indeed
Psychologizing of juvenile crime, but not without merit. Not a great film, and melodramatic music doesn't help. But in the light of history, the understanding such films as this tried to encourage was lost or ridiculed. The parents are told at the end of the film that they share the blame. Unwelcome message! Historically, the response to such insight was, from conservatives, that "discipline" and "law and order" are needed to restore youths' respect without regard for the conditions that may have encouraged crime. Actually, viewing this in Amerika 2003, I'm surprised it ever got made.

Reviewer: Almost_winter - - June 27, 2003
Subject: Why Not Vandalsim?
This movie explains why teenagers, such as Jeff and his friends, may turn to vandalism to vent their anger and frustration. The story takes a long time to build up until the really good vandalism occurs (i.e. when Jeff and his chums break into the school). They start a really small fire and run, but Jeff stays behind to search for "his" rabbit. Then you see Jeff getting bitched at by some old guys and thats the end. Did Jeff ever become normal? Did he ever find anything to occupy his time? Did he ever get another rabbit? I think we all have felt like Jeff at one point in our lives.

Shotlist

Description of the life of an adolescent outsider. He feels that everyone is against him.

juvenile delinquent; dirty dishes; messy house;
Opens with spooky music and the sound of glass breaking.

Voiceover:

"This is vandalism. In this case perhaps not too serious. But wherever it happens, vandalism maybe the symptom of a sickness. An outward expression of feelings which have become twisted and warped in an unfriendly world."

"In Jeff's hidden personality are many scars and many open wounds. Their causes are not easy to understand. Perhaps his home is at fault. It's not that the dishes are dirty and the house is messy. It's something much deeper. Perhaps the emptiness of a home that is lacking in love and affection"


"Wherever the natural warmth of human feeling has been turned to resentment by constant lack of affection and understanding
there is danger of vandalism. "

diner; juke box; malt shop; teenagers on street at night;
small children in winter clothes;

boys rip up test papers in classroom at night, then completely toss a classroom;

a judge sentences boys;







Juvenile delinquency Violence Pets Teenagers Adolescence Psychology Bettelheim, Bruno Destruction Vandalism
Danger Lurks Safety
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