Review of Date Bait

Date Bait (1960)
Teen Special
6 July 2012
Okay, it is a cheapie, which comes as no surprise for a no-name production. The sets are bare bones, the sound quality comes and goes, while the acting is spotty. Still, it's got everything a teen of the time wanted—fast cars, rock&roll, switchblades, and a wedding night. Plus, the strung-out doper Brad (Gering) adds a wacko wildcard. Blonde cutie Sue (Ryan) seems a natural for her lively teen role, even if her sweetie, upward-bound Gary Clarke, acts a little bored.

The plot concerns a common topic for teens of the time—are we too young to get married. Sue's gruff dad certainly thinks so. Worse, jealous Brad won't let his former blonde cutie go, and he's got one bad older brother who sort of cleans up after him, that is, when brother isn't dealing dope. Mix 'em all together and it's not a bad little drive-in flick. Better than I expected for a shoestring indie. And, oh yes, catch that very last frame—looks like writer-director Ireland was trying for something genuinely thoughtful.
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