Jail Bait (1954)

Just perfect...

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

'Jail Bait' is somewhat lesser known Ed Wood 's movie. Probably because it is slightly better than his most famous works. The dialogue is ridiculously written and actors chewing themselves through the silly lines thus destroying acting with every scene. Weird jump cuts in an inappropriate moments that doesn't add anything to scene but just demolishing the flow of it. 'Jail Bait' has much more coherent story line and consistent script than we are used from Ed Wood movie. That can be associated to co-writer Alex Gordon (who also produced couple of Roger Corman's movies). Thanks to tight writing 'Jail Bait' is more serious in tone and offers less unintentional comedy and as that it just stays a badly made film-noir, but stands as 'best' film directed by infamous Ed Wood.The film's score with its pseudo flamenco guitar and obnoxious piano pounding takes off lot of tension from several scenes and adds some weird atmosphere to the movie. The mood of otherworldly is enhanced by that, that all the action takes place at night time and we see California without sunshine - dark and murky place instead of bright scenery we are used to.'Jail Bait' has its charm and it is entertaining to watch wooden actors sleepwalking through bad dialogue and unbelievable procedures (plastic surgery done on the living room sofa without almost no medical equipment). The viewer also gets awarded with nice ending twist. Not quite Ed Wood at his best, but more at his 'best'.

Yes this is a terrible movie but I am watching it now for the 10th time. I just can't believe it was made. Script is beyond terrible, borders on a child like effort. But it does give on a good laugh. I would think it would be perfect for a film school, for the Chapter "How not to make a movie". And the insertion of a minstrel show was Unbelievable. If that was done today the resulting outcry would be insane. Plane Nine worst movie ever, no way! Of all of the Ed Woods movies that I have seen, this in my opinion was his worst. But do I recommend, yes. Does bring laughs which I do not think he was attempting.

The next movie in my Ed Wood box that I did not see was Jail Bait, one of the smaller treasures and not so well known films of his since he was more known for bad movies which is sad. Jail Bait, I wasn't sure what to expect, but honestly I was wondering if it was about underage sexual acts since I know Ed Wood ended up directing porn, I didn't know if he had a thing with weird sexual stuff. I mean the last film that I saw of his was Glen or Glenda where he had a man practically raping a woman, who knows how far he would go? Turns out the title is a complete opposite of what you would expect. Instead we actually have a very decent story, surprisingly you would think that Ed Wood should have been a writer for the Twilight Zone. This story would remind you of that, this was the kind of creepy story that could have even been Tales from the Crypt material. The villain getting what was coming to him after committing such a gruesome act, justice being so sweet and poetic. Ed Wood proves that he was meant for film with this piece.Don Gregor, the son of a plastic surgeon, is jailed by the police for carrying an unlicensed handgun. Inspector Johns and Lt. Lawrence suspect he is an associate of gangster Vic Brady. Don's sister Marilyn bails her brother out of jail. Dr. Gregor is aware of his son's secret life, but believes Don is a good person and that everything will "straighten itself out nicely." Brady plans to rob a theater. Don is reluctant to become involved but is bullied into participating by Brady. During the robbery, Don kills a night watchman and Brady wounds the theater's bookkeeper. The two crooks get away with the theater's payroll. but Brady senses Don is having second thoughts about his involvement. Fearing Don will turn himself in to the police, Brady kills him and stuffs his body into a closet. In order to elude the police, Brady decides to undergo plastic surgery. He contacts Dr. Gregor, telling him he is holding his son hostage until plastic surgery is completed. Dr. Gregor begins the surgery in Brady's apartment, but discovers his son's corpse in the closet. He controls himself, and completes the surgery. Two weeks later, Brady's bandages are removed, and, to the everyone's horror and amazement, you will have to watch the film to find out what happens next.While the acting isn't anything spectacular, it's actually better than the usual Ed Wood films. See, most of Ed Wood films I'm expecting something really bad, but Jail Bait took me by surprise with the writing and actors. Because he just couldn't afford the good actors or sets, but he did something special with this film. I loved the ending and makes me wonder if this was one of the first twist endings to happen on film. You know that the villain can't get away with this murder and you don't want him too, but I have to admit it had me on my toes because I couldn't predict what the doctor would do to him when he asks for the plastic surgery. It's a great story and I feel awful that Ed Wood didn't get more credit for this film vs. his "so bad it's good" movies. Jail Bait went to show that he did have a talent and passion for noir film and I wish that he could have given us more. However, Jail Bait is a small treasure that I would recommend for anyone who loves film, given the proper chance, this is a good movie.6/10

"Jail Bait" is another El Stinko Ed Wood movie, probably only good viewing for those cold snowy nights with nothing to do. However, if you are a Ed Wood fan who has viewed his previous clinkers, you'll LOVE it!The most annoying yet bizarre component of the movie is the soundtrack. It consists of a Spanish Mandolin guitar playing songs that sound like your dining in a Italian restaurant. Why this is done? God only knows! I guess Old Ed thought the jangling notes would add extra tension to dramatic scenes--me,.. I just thought it was weird!Don't be fooled by the title..."Jail Bait" is NOT referring to the acquisition of teenage girls...nope, the title is simply explained in one line "That GUN is jail bait!" Oh, you'll see some slight 1950's style erotica...sexy evening gowns and slight sheer lounging pajamas...snappy dialogue.Also, don't see "Jail Bait" if you get offended by minstrel shows (The NAACP hasn't gotten to this one yet) I guess this is inserted into the film for some kind of burlesque entertainment value....if it was played today, a probable riot would happen.Interesting to note---and his performance is a VERY young Steve Reeves. Still on the muscle bulky side...but what the heck! He's young, got a LOT of steroid growing to do as in his future Hercules movies!The acting is simply AWFUL as in every Ed Wood flick...but what the hey!it's a shade better than "Plan 9 from Outer Space"