A Criminal Is Born

A Criminal Is Born is a 1944 short film part of the Crime Does Not Pay series produced by MGM. This particular entry delves into the tragic story of a young man who gradually drifts into a life of crime and, ultimately, murder. The film begins by introducing the audience to a family with three children. While the parents are seen as somewhat neglectful, they are not entirely portrayed as heartless. However, as the eldest child, a young man named Joe, grows older, his parents seem to turn a blind eye to his increasing difficulties and struggles in school. This lack of parental support and guidance contributes to Joe's growing discontent and rebellion against authority. Joe's frustration stems from the fact that he feels he is getting little to no support from his family members. His parents appear too concerned with their own lives and problems to pay attention to their son's needs. They are depicted as being more invested in their own social status and financial security than in addressing their child's emotional and developmental issues. As Joe becomes increasingly isolated from his family, he is drawn to a new friend at school - a charismatic and influential young man. This peer, who is part of a local gang, takes an interest in Joe and starts to mentor him. Under the guidance of his new friend, Joe begins to learn the ways of the world - not necessarily in a positive sense, given the gang's lawless and violent nature. The gang is an influential force in Joe's life, offering him a sense of belonging and acceptance that he has long been missing at home. His friend and the gang members are depicted as being part of a world that thrives on rebellion and disrespect for authority. They see themselves as outsiders who have managed to create their own rules and defy the norms set by society. However, as Joe gets more and more entwined in the gang's activities, he also becomes increasingly violent and aggressive. His family remains oblivious to his transformation, failing to see the impact their neglect has had on their son. It's clear that the influence of the gang has taken over Joe's life, and he starts to lose his sense of right and wrong. As Joe's involvement in the gang intensifies, he commits a series of crimes that are increasingly violent and desperate. His crimes are presented as the result of the values he has learned from his gang, and his own sense of rebellion against his family and society. The film shows how the choices Joe has made have led him down a path of no return, as he becomes increasingly entrenched in a world of crime. The ultimate tragedy unfolds when Joe commits murder, and he is forced to confront the devastating consequences of his actions. His family, still oblivious to his transformation, is shocked and horrified by the news of Joe's arrest and conviction. The film ends with a reflection on how Joe's descent into crime might have been prevented had his family been more supportive and understanding. In A Criminal Is Born, MGM aims to portray the stark reality of juvenile delinquency and its tragic consequences. By presenting a fictionalized account of a young man's downward spiral into crime and murder, the film highlights the risks associated with a lack of parental guidance and support. It also emphasizes the negative impact that a violent and influential peer group can have on a vulnerable young person. Ultimately, the film suggests that the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency include not only societal conditions but also the failure of family members to provide adequate care, support, and guidance. The film serves as a commentary on the pressing social issue of juvenile delinquency, a subject matter that remains relevant even today.