The Boy with Green Hair (1948)

Directed by Joseph Losey. Starring Dean Stockwell, Pat O’Brien, Robert Ryan, Samuel S. Hinds, Barbara Hale, Walter Catlett.

Kiddie anti-war allegory of a war orphan (Stockwell) going to live with his kindly grandfather (O’Brien) when his hair suddenly turns a bright green color, much to the dismay of the judgmental townsfolk. Not terrible; the performances are adequate, and the message is worthwhile, but it’s slathered on without an iota of subtlety, with pacifist dialogue that sounds force-fed from a polemicist. Youngsters may appreciate the poignancy. Losey’s first film. Look for Russ Tamblyn in a small, unbilled role.

52/100