Watch Four Boys and a Gun

Four Boys and a Gun is a classic American crime drama from 1957, directed by William A. Wellman and starring Frank Sutton, Tarry Green, and James Franciscus. The film tells the story of a group of four young boys who, after facing numerous hardships, turn to a life of crime to escape their poverty and make ends meet. They end up robbing a bank and involve themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the police.

The movie begins with a glimpse into the difficult lives of the four main characters: Emmett (Frank Sutton) is a struggling high school football coach who feels underappreciated and undervalued. Benny (Tarry Green) is a foster kid who has grown up in poverty and has a chip on his shoulder. Dave (James Franciscus) is a sensitive young man who is trying to come to terms with the loss of his father. And Mike (Bill Gray) is a smart, street-savvy kid who seems to have a natural talent for scheming and planning.

As the film progresses, we see how the four boys bond through their shared love of football and their shared struggle to make money and make something of themselves. They dream of a better life, but as the situation becomes more and more desperate, they turn to crime as a last resort. They plan an elaborate bank heist, but the robbery doesn't go as planned, and they find themselves in a complex and dangerous situation with the police.

The movie is driven by the performances of the four lead actors, who each bring a unique energy and perspective to their characters. Frank Sutton delivers a standout performance as the tough but sensitive Emmett, who struggles to reconcile his love for his young charges with the harsh realities of their situation. Tarry Green brings a rough-edged intensity to the brooding, angry Benny, while James Franciscus infuses Dave with a quiet, contemplative quality that makes him stand out from the others. Bill Gray brings a streetwise swagger to the role of Mike, who emerges as the mastermind behind the bank robbery.

Four Boys and a Gun does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of the situation faced by these young men. It touches on themes of poverty, desperation, and the measures that people will go to in order to survive in a society that seems to be stacked against them. The movie also touches on issues of class and privilege, as the characters struggle to make something of themselves in a world that seems to favor the rich and powerful.

The film also does an excellent job of building tension and suspense, particularly in the scenes involving the police. The boys find themselves embroiled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with the authorities, which ratchets up the tension as the film progresses. William A. Wellman's direction is tight and economical, keeping the story moving at a brisk pace, and the cinematography and editing are also top-notch.

Overall, Four Boys and a Gun is a classic crime drama that still holds up today. Its powerful themes of poverty, desperation, and friendship make it a memorable movie, while its suspenseful plot and strong performances from the lead actors keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a film that explores the complexities of the human experience, and that raises important questions about how we treat those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

Four Boys and a Gun is a 1957 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.