A 55-minute silent film that invented the 'bad boy with a heart of gold' trope.
Small town youth Jimmie Bates is a well-intentioned, but troubled youth. Jimmie is a rowdy boy who is always getting into trouble and playing pranks on his friends and neighbors. Although deeply in love with young Mary, he eventually spurns Mary's affection for the more outgoing and worldly young Ruth.
Acting
Robert Harron's physical comedy — the man committed to the bit.
Direction
Chester Withey's intimate framing, lifted straight from Griffith's playbook.
Director
Chester Withey
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Robert Harron was one of D.W. Griffith's favorite actors, appearing in both 'The Birth of a Nation' and 'Intolerance' before his death at age 27.
This film essentially blueprinted the 'juvenile delinquent' genre that exploded in 1950s Hollywood, from 'Rebel Without a Cause' to 'Blackboard Jungle.'
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