Watch High School Big Shot

High School Big Shot is a black-and-white crime movie from 1959 directed by Joel Rapp. The movie, set in a high school in suburban USA, is a commentary on the destructive effects of social pressure and the lure of money. The movie begins with Marv Grant, a disheveled high school student, who is expelled from school after he is caught stealing money from the cash register. Trying to avoid the embarrassment of being punished, Marv invents a scheme to stay at school by approaching Freddie, a wealthy classmate, and convincing him to partner in a crime that would get them enough money to pay off their debts and avoid the shame of being expelled.

Freddie, intrigued by Marv's audacity, agrees to work alongside Marv in a plot to rob the school office and steal the answers to the final exams. Persuading him with the promise of a cut in the loot, Marv convinces the principal to leave school at night, and with the help of his accomplice, steals the answers from the office.

The robbery is successful, and soon after, Freddie and Marv find themselves at the top of their class rankings. After graduation, Marv plans to marry his sweetheart Joan, but their plans come to an abrupt halt when Marv is confronted with the truth. Freddie, impressed by Marv's simple and brash character, keeps the bulk of the stolen money for himself, leaving Marv with only a small recovery amount.

Driven insane by the revelation, Marv abandons his mundane life and goes on a criminal spree. His dangerous new lover, a former prostitute named Linda, stokes his ego and drives him into darker waters of crime, eventually leading to a tragic end.

The movie offers a bleak but insightful view of a society driven by the pressure of conformity and obsessed with the allure of financial gain. Marv is an exemplary character whose downfall is rooted in the same system that raises him to the top.

High School Big Shot offers a compelling critique of the American culture of narcissism and materialism. It tells the story of how the American Dream can be poisonous if it's based on corruption, and how everyone involved in it ultimately becomes a victim of their choices.

The casting is excellent, and the actors bring their characters to life with precision and nuance. Tom Pittman shines as Marv, a young man who has a talent for exploiting the weaknesses of others. His performance gives depth to Marv's character, a cautionary tale of what happens when one is ruled by obsession and selfishness.

Similarly, Virginia Aldridge is perfect as Joan, the shy and innocent girl Marv loves. Her character is the voice of reason and traditional morality that stands in contrast to Marv's devilish schemes.

Finally, Howard Veit's Freddie is the ultimate surprise package. He embodies the role of the spoiled and privileged scion of a wealthy family, and his willingness to be manipulated by Marv adds another layer of complexity to the film.

High School Big Shot is a movie that deserves to be rediscovered. It speaks to themes of teenage rebellion and angst but goes beyond to tell a story that is both socially insightful and engaging. Watching the movie shows how much the film industry has evolved and allowed the exploration of these dark themes in more graphic and mature ways.

High School Big Shot is a 1959 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.4.