Moviecut—Mokey

This was a fun movie to watch. A good role for 21 year old Donna Reed in a movie sandwiched between her roles in an Andy Hardy and a Dr Kildare film. A very good view of how the "system" handled juvenile delinquency in those times. I didn't know the movie existed till I was channel surfing on Wed 3/16/05 and came across it. The movie played on TCM from 3:30 to 5:00 CST. At the same time on Court TV there was the live broadcast of the verdict in Robert Blakes trial for the murder of his wife. The verdict being read at 4:30 CST. Coincidence?? Maybe, but I doubt it. Sure was fun scooting back and forth between the Channels though. Take care. Dan O'Merderwun

A must see movie for classic movies fans, as well as fans of Debbie Reynolds, Robert "Bobby" Blake, Dan Dailey, or Sam McDaniel. Debbie Reynolds give an A+ performance. A rare treat to see Robert Blake, best known in my generation for his lead role in the "Baretta" television series, or as the movie star accused of murder, as a cute kid. I would give it a ten, if it weren't for the Negro stereotypes, that were a bit overdone, even for 1942, complete with the usual antics of Buckwheat. I'm sure this movie would have an overall higher rating, if it weren't for those stereotypes. But, if you keep an open mind, it is a real treat. Thanks to MGM for another great movie! By the way, Etta McDaniel also appears in this movie.

Most of the comments focused on how awful Mokey's parents were. I grant this is true, but it doesn't excuse his behavior. The black kids in the film (perhaps the most integrated one after "Huck Finn") had NO parents, but were model citizens. Raised by their aunt, they were kind and loyal. As the juvenile court judge says, Mokey has no morality. He lies, steals and runs away without remorse. He's a young psychopath. The actor playing him (Robert Blake) is cute, but I predict this character will end up murdering his wife some day. Clearly the fictional Mokey wasn't going to turn his life around just because his parents showed him more love. I find it interesting that the real-life boy this story was based on did turn out OK, but only after being sent to military school (an idea for a sequel to this film).

Mokie(Robert Blake - yes the "Barreta" guy) is an 8 year old kid who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Mokey seem to want to foreshadow Robert Blake's later adult life as a troubled little kid who's Mom has died and new stepmom (Donna Reed) can't control him no matter how hard she tries. "Mokey" is an interlude between Blake's "Our Gang" appearances and also includes "Little Rascals" co-star "Buckwheat". It has some interesting scenes with Buckwheat and his friends which is unusual for its time. Mokey's Mom must ultimately decide how important this new marriage and her new step son are.

Is it just me or is Donna Reed the most disappointing character in the film. Mokey was really an amazingly SWEET kid who any parent would really be happy to have as a child (minus the fact of what he grew up to be in real life...) but his "mom" Donna Reed in the film is a complete...well...you know. She never truly gave him much of a chance until the end and said some ridiculous things about him- "no son of mine", threatening to murder him...I hated her in this movie. I really felt so sorry for the character- Mokey- with his mom having died- his dad trying to replace his mom and Mokey's own willingness to accept the "new mom"- and then of course- his dad working all the time and the new mom not giving Mokey much of a chance (for instance with their first day together and she is more concerned about putting up drapes them concerning herself with her child...)