They Made Me a Criminal

A movie that could have been a classic film noir takes an uplifting turn at the end, and actually restores a little faith in mankind. John Garfield stars as selfish boxing champ Johnnie Bradfield, on the lam for a bum murder rap. Winding up at an Arizona boys' camp, Johnnie hides out from the relentless Detective Phelan (Claude Rains), and becomes a reluctant role model for the troubled boys (including Dead End Kids Bobby Jordan, Leo Gorcey, and Huntz Hall).

Just when you think you're watching a rehash of "Angels With Dirty Faces", the movie takes a turn you don't expect.