Movie Review: Young Dynamite (1937)

Synopsis: When rookie state trooper John Shields is killed his first day on the job, his younger brother, Freddie, becomes determined to help his future brother-in-law, Tom, capture the crooks responsible. His and Tom's lives are put in danger when an acquaintance turns out to be the secret ringleader.

Who's in it? The movie stars Frankie Darro, Kane Richmond, Charlotte Henry, Willy Castello and Carleton Young.

Review: I ended up picking out Young Dynamite this morning because I had enjoyed other Frankie Darro movies more than expected and had not yet seen him in a drama, just comedies. The movie ultimately wasn't quite as good as I was expecting but it was still a reasonably decent choice.

Darro, as Freddie, does as solid of a job in this drama as he did in the comedy movies I've watched him in. I would describe Freddie as a bit reckless, trying to take on the crooks by himself and nearly getting killed a couple times in the process before the movie even reaches the part where his brother is killed. After John's (David Sharpe) death, he becomes even more of a nuisance to Flash Slavin (Castello) and his gang.

I thought the overall plot was decent, but it was also definitely helped by the surprise twist involving one of the people living with Freddie and Tom (Richmond) that was pleasantly unexpected and explained some things I originally thought were plot holes. Plus, I thought the movie made full use of its hour-long runtime, keeping the movie paced in a way that kept it from becoming boring.

I did think the movie painted the State Patrol in a negative light because it seemed as though Freddie was doing literally all the work. And Tom, in particular, should have been ashamed of himself for letting Freddie put himself in danger in the first place after his fiancée, Jane (Henry) already had one brother killed.

Speaking of which, if I had any other complaints, it would be how quickly that family seemed to get over John's death. The movie literally cut from Freddie in tears to him joking around in the kitchen with Jane as though nothing had happened while she is never shown grieving at all. Were they secretly glad John was dead?

Final Opinion: It's an entertaining movie that shows off some of Darro's versatility as an actor. There are a few things I probably would have changed but still enjoyed watching it.

My Grade: B

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Here are some reviews of other 1930s dramas:

Movie Review: The Sea Ghost (1931)

Movie Review: Heat Lightning (1934)

Movie Review: The Death Kiss (1932)

Movie Review: Ace of Aces (1933)