These Dangerous Years

These Dangerous Years

Company type	Film
Industry	Film industry
Founded	1957
Founder	Herbert Wilcox (director), Anna Neagle (producer)
Products	Drama musical film

These Dangerous Years, also released under the title Dangerous Youth, is a 1957 British drama musical directed by Herbert Wilcox. The cast features George Baker, Frankie Vaughan, Carole Lesley, Thora Hird, Kenneth Cope, David Lodge, and John Le Mesurier. The screenplay, penned by Jack Trevor Story, marked the initial collaboration of three between Wilcox and Vaughan.

Plot

Dave Wyman, a gang leader and aspiring rock musician hailing from Liverpool's impoverished neighborhoods, is drafted into National Service. The rigors of basic training instill discipline and fortify his character. Following the death of his closest friend at the hands of a camp bully, Dave pursues vengeance and eventually weds his fellow singer.

Cast

• George Baker as the Padre
• Frankie Vaughan as Dave Wyman
• Carole Lesley as Dinah Brown
• Jocelyn Lane as Maureen
• Katherine Kath as Mrs Wyman
• Thora Hird as Mrs Larkin
• Eddie Byrne as Danny
• Kenneth Cope as juggler
• Robert Desmond as Cream O'Casey
• Ray Jackson as Smiler Larkin
• Richard Leech as Captain Brewster
• John Le Mesurier as Commanding Officer
• David Lodge as Sergeant Major Lockwood
• Michael Ripper as Private Simpson
• Reginald Beckwith as hairdresser
• Martin Boddey as Police Sergeant
• Lloyd Lamble as Police Officer
• Bunner O'Keeffe as youth buying the Liverpool Echo

Production

This film represented Anna Neagle's debut as sole producer. Originally titled The Cast Iron Shore, it was planned to be the first in a trio of projects featuring Diana Dors, who ultimately declined to return from Hollywood.

The military sequences were shot at Inglis Barracks, located in Mill Hill, London NW7.

Reflecting on the project, George Baker described it as "not a good film," highlighting director Herbert Wilcox's attempt to pivot towards a Liverpool-focused narrative depicting harsh realities in the Dingle area. However, Jack Trevor Story’s script failed to resonate with Wilcox, which contributed to the film’s weaknesses.

Critical

According to The Monthly Film Bulletin, although the Liverpool locations and energetic tempo showed potential, the ensuing army melodrama depended heavily on overused jokes and predictable plotlines. Frankie Vaughan delivered a vigorous but somewhat unappealing screen debut, while Eddie Byrne’s spirited performance stood out amidst an otherwise uninspiring supporting ensemble.

Kine Weekly commended the movie for combining traditional youth melodrama with army comedy set against genuine environments. Vaughan’s natural acting and singing were noted, Carole Lesley was praised for her charm, and George Baker gave a strong performance despite limited dialogue quality. The dance hall scenes were vibrant, and both serious and humorous facets of military life were portrayed adequately. Though lacking in subtlety, the film was considered commercially viable.

Box office

Per Kinematograph Weekly, the movie achieved financial success within the British box office during 1957.