Watch The Rebel Set

The Rebel Set is a 1959 American crime drama film directed by Gene Fowler Jr. The film was produced by Arthur Gardner and Jules V. Levy, written by László Görtler, and stars Gregg Palmer, Kathleen Crowley, and Edward Platt. The film follows the story of a group of disenchanted young people who decide to rob a train en route to Los Angeles. The film opens with a young woman, Judy (Crowley), arriving in Los Angeles from the Midwest. She is quickly caught up with a group of rebels who are disillusioned with the status quo and looking for a way out of their dead-end lives.

The group consists of three men: Chuck (Palmer), a cynical salesman who hates his job and his life; Herbie (Don Sullivan), an aspiring artist who can't sell his paintings; and Frankie (George Montgomery Jr.), a hot-headed ex-con who can't find a job because of his record. Together, they hatch a plan to rob a train carrying a shipment of money, hoping to use the proceeds to fund their escape to Mexico.

The group sets their plan in motion by recruiting a train engineer, Paul (Platt), who has a grudge against his employer and is willing to help them. Together, they devise a scheme to derail the train and steal the money. However, things don't go exactly as planned, and the group soon finds themselves in over their heads.

As they try to escape from the authorities, they begin to turn on each other, and the cracks in their hastily formed alliance begin to show. The film is a tense and suspenseful thriller that explores themes of desperation, disillusionment, and the consequences of criminal behavior.

The performances in The Rebel Set are strong, particularly from Palmer, Crowley, and Platt. Palmer brings a brash and cynical energy to his portrayal of Chuck, perfectly capturing the character's frustration and bitterness. Crowley is equally impressive as Judy, imbuing her character with a vulnerability and naivete that makes her a sympathetic figure. Platt, who is perhaps best known for his role as the Chief in the television series Get Smart, brings a quiet intensity to the role of Paul, adding depth to the character.

The film's direction and cinematography are also noteworthy, particularly for a low-budget B-movie. Fowler Jr. effectively builds tension throughout the film, using a combination of close-ups, tracking shots, and fast-paced editing to create a sense of urgency and suspense. The film's black-and-white cinematography is also striking, capturing the gritty, urban landscape of Los Angeles and emphasizing the bleakness of the characters' lives.

Overall, The Rebel Set is a well-crafted crime thriller that stands out as a strong example of the B-movie genre. Although it may be somewhat predictable at times, the film's strong performances, direction, and cinematography make it an enjoyable and gripping viewing experience. Fans of film noir and crime dramas are likely to appreciate this overlooked gem.

The Rebel Set is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.1.