Audie stars as the bad boy of the title, a youngster who has a history of crime and violence. His salvation is Lloyd Nolan, who runs a Variety Club Ranch for boys who are in trouble with the law. Nolan's goal is to help all the young men by teaching them a trade and giving them an opportunity to earn an education. Audie proves to be a hard nut to crack and he remains aloof and withdrawn.
The boys at the ranch make Audie an outcast, but Nolan tries to dig into his past to find a reason for his bad behaviour. As Nolan digs, Audie continues on with his criminal ways, stealing a gun and robbing a local store. Ultimately Nolan uncovers Audie's secret, the boy believes he accidentally murdered his mother. Nolan's probe reveals that Audie is mistaken and his mother died from natural causes. However, by this time, Audie finds himself in another terrible jam with the police. Can Nolan reach Audie before the police end his criminal ways for good.
The film takes a sober, no punches pulled approach. This works rather well as the viewer is never sure if Audie will be rehabilitated or if he will be shot down in a blaze of bullets. Bad Boy is certainly not a masterpiece, but it is a well made, entertaining B' crime film. On a final note, the cast is quite good, especially Nolan as the serious but caring ranch owner, who the boys call "Coach".
The boys at the ranch make Audie an outcast, but Nolan tries to dig into his past to find a reason for his bad behaviour. As Nolan digs, Audie continues on with his criminal ways, stealing a gun and robbing a local store. Ultimately Nolan uncovers Audie's secret, the boy believes he accidentally murdered his mother. Nolan's probe reveals that Audie is mistaken and his mother died from natural causes. However, by this time, Audie finds himself in another terrible jam with the police. Can Nolan reach Audie before the police end his criminal ways for good.
The film takes a sober, no punches pulled approach. This works rather well as the viewer is never sure if Audie will be rehabilitated or if he will be shot down in a blaze of bullets. Bad Boy is certainly not a masterpiece, but it is a well made, entertaining B' crime film. On a final note, the cast is quite good, especially Nolan as the serious but caring ranch owner, who the boys call "Coach".