hrkepler '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'.

dougdoepke A doctor's son gets mixed up with a ruthless crook leading to guns, trouble, and an unlikely bore.Ed Wood where were you when we needed you. As filmdom's worst director-writer, where was your laughable excellence, your straight-faced prat-falls. This concoction isn't funny-bad, it's just bad. It's like you were aiming at a third-rate crime drama, and, by golly, you got it. No laughs here, just third-rate acting (except for Talbot & Rawlinson), spare sets (often blank walls), leaden unfunny dialog, and a guitar accompaniment that never stops , plus a reveal that has to be seen to be believed. No need to go on. The movie's just hapless. But worse, it's maestro Wood's biggest failure—it's boring.(In passing—who is actress Tedi Thurman. She's got one movie credit, this one. She's not much of an actress, but does have an exotic look. Sort of like a skinny Lauren Bacall, and maybe the only reason to catch this big disappointment.)

Bucs1960 How could you not like Ed Wood? Here was a man who loved film making for which he had absolutely no talent. He never gave up, he scrounged around for money and locations, used actors with no ability or who were desperate for work, and is treasured by all bad-movie buffs. He would probably be thrilled that his name is universally recognized albeit as the worst director of all times.He does his magic again with "Jail Bait", an inept film to say the least. All that needs to be said about the acting, dialog, sets, and the annoying music has already been covered on these boards, so I won't repeat it. I'll just say that I wonder how Lyle Talbot, who had a pretty decent career in films in the 1930s and early 40s, ever sank to this level. He was a face that appeared all over moviedom for years and was a good actor in support of some of the big stars of the day. Times must have been very, very hard for him to stoop to this. We know why Bela Lugosi worked with Wood but maybe Talbot did it on a bet.....or not. It's always sad to see competent actors who once had careers, end up in this manner.If you have never seen an Ed Wood film, put this one on your "must see list"..........really all of his films are "must sees" if you are a fan of "so bad that they are good" movies. Ed Wood, I salute you!!!!!!

wes-connors Clancy Malone (as Don Gregor) is an "over 21" juvenile delinquent; he carries an illegal gun, gets arrested, is bailed out, and helps pal Timothy Farrell (as Vic Brady) commit burglaries. Mr. Malone's father Herbert Rawlinson (as Boris Gregor) is a very successful plastic surgeon; later, his skill comes in handy. Blonde Dolores Fuller (as Marilyn Gregor) is a concerned sister. Lawmen Lyle Talbot (as Inspector Johns) and Steve Reeves (as Bob Lawrence) investigate the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Malone's criminal escapades.Strong competition for worst performance honors. The Spanish guitar is annoying. "Cotton Watts and Chick" perform the "blackface" act. First feature film for Herculean Reeves, who gets to appear shirtless in a scene. Last feature film for Mr. Rawlinson. Not even good Wood. * Jail Bait (1954) Edward D. Wood Jr. ~ Lyle Talbot, Dolores Fuller, Herbert Rawlinson