🎥Review: Reform School Girl (1957)

Thrill Crazy! Speed crazy! Mad at the World Crazy! Changing a nice kid into a reform school girl!

Released as part of a double feature alongside Shake, Rattle and Rock, Reform School Girl (1957) follows the story of Donna Price (Gloria Castillo), recognized for her roles in The Night of the Hunter (1955) and Invasion of the Saucer Men (1957). Living with her aunt and uncle, Donna faces hostility from her aunt, who harbors a deep disdain for her, while her step-uncle leers at her inappropriately.


Gloria Castillo & Edward Byrnes

Just as she is about to head out on a double date with Vince (Edward Byrnes), who is making his first credited appearance, her step-uncle launches a violent attack. A struggle ensues, prompting the kids to escape in a car, only to discover it is stolen. As tensions rise, Vince forcefully ejects Josie Brigg (Luana Anders) and Castillo's date from the vehicle, turning his attention to Donna, who is desperate to avoid returning home. When she expresses concern about the other couple potentially alerting the police, Vince chillingly assures her that he would kill anyone who betrayed him. It soon becomes clear that he is volatile and dangerous. The situation escalates when the police attempt to pull Vince over for speeding, leading to a high-speed chase during which he tragically runs over and kills a man.

He abandons the scene, leaving Donna isolated in the vehicle. Terrified for her safety, she declines to name Vince as the driver. Labeled a juvenile delinquent, Donna is dispatched to Hastings School for Girls.

Donna is in a history class at school taught by David Lindsay (Ross Ford), who also happens to be the school's psychologist. Even though Donna hasn't spilled her secret to David, he has a hunch that she's a decent person who just got tangled up in some tough situations. He thinks with his support, she can turn things around and get her life back on track.

However, chaos soon ensues there as well. Vince is determined to ensure that Donna remains silent, fearing she might reveal the truth to the authorities. To manipulate the situation, he creates the illusion that she is a police informant, sparking conflicts among the girls, including Yvette Vickers, Anders, and Sally Kellerman in her debut film.

Distrustful of the outside world, especially men who seek her for their desires, Donna finds solace in a friendship with a kind-hearted boy, Jackie Dodd (Ralph Reed), from beyond the fence. Will she place her trust in him? Can she believe in a life beyond the confines? Will she endure the harassment from her peers? And will Vince face justice? Just watch!

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. And who doesn't love the poster? Normally, these types of films are campy and cheesy (which I love anyway) but this one I really enjoyed. The script was well done, the pacing was good, and the characters were either likable or despicable. The action kept me engaged, and I appreciated the glimpses into the psychology of the girls. It's a raw and intense social drama that doesn't shy away from the darker side of human nature. Themes of betrayal, abuse, ego-centrism, blackmail, jealousy, and juvenile violence are explored. Despite most of the cast being young up-and-coming actresses, the acting was surprisingly strong. On my B-Movie-o meter, it scores a strong B+.

Edward Byrnes & Ralph Reed

Directed by Edward Bernds and produced by Samuel Z. Arkoff, this film, Reform School Girl, is a prime example of the provocative sexploitation films released by American International Pictures in the 1950s and 1960s. As part of AIP's focus on juvenile delinquency, the film showcases the dichotomy of young girls being portrayed as either "good" or "bad." These "bad" girls are depicted as rebellious criminals or gang members, setting the stage for a gripping melodrama that is a precursor to the women in prison genre.

Ever since its release in 1957, the movie poster showcasing blond-haired Vickers and dark-haired Castillo has turned into a cherished item among collectors.

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