Moment of Decision is a 1962 teen guidence film written, produced and directed by Sid Davis.
Sid Davis triumphs again in this insightful study of the young criminal mind. When four teenage boys chance upon a stylish convertible with its keys left in the ignition, they momentarily consider if stealing the vehicle is a wise move. The film's tough narrator states that while the four boys have gone through unique life experiences that will ultimately influence their decision to either steal the car or simply walk away, they are all cognizant that the theft of the convertible constitutes a major criminal offence and that they will be held liable for their actions. Those familiar with several of Davis' other films won't find the conclusion to be quite as hard-hitting as one might expect, but it certainly doesn't disappoint. A nice production that stresses the importance of personal responsibility in a world in which it is being increasingly eschewed.
MOMENT OF DECISION SID DAVIS (1962) 10:17 USA DOWNLOAD / MPEG2 / 295 MB
Keep off the Grass is a 1969 educational film written, produced and directed by Sid Davis. Like all of Sid Davis's films they were made very heavy handedly. Tom gets in trouble when his mother finds a joint in his room. Instead of punishing Tom, his father challenges him to learn more about marijuanas evil effects on society. Nobody gets killed in this Sid Davis film, yet Tom still learns a harsh lesson after being mugged by druggies and learning that his best friend sells pot to school children. One of the last Sid Davis films to focus on drugs.
The Terrible Truth is a short educational film produced and directed by Sid Davis in 1951 it is the story of Phyllis who falls for a slick drug pusher and gets hooked on “H.” After that, every day is a seriously bad hair day. She also stops tucking in her blouse. Eventually, Phyllis dries out and ends up back with her parents with a hideous new hairdo. Like all of Sid Davis' films they are made very heavy handedly. This film claims that just one puff off a joint will send someone down the road to insanity and death.
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THE TERRIBLE TRUTH SID DAVIS 10 MIN USA CLICK PLAY TO WATCH OR DOWNLOADTO SAVE MPEG2 - 228MB
Boys Beware is a film released through Sid Davis Productions. It deals with a perceived danger to young boys: that of predatory homosexuals. The film was released in 1961 and, through negligence of the copyright laws in the United States at the time of its release, lapsed into the public domain and is available from the Rick Prelinger archives.
Boys Beware is narrated by a self-described police detective who is on his way to a school meeting where he is to discuss this issue. Aside from the film's late '50s/early '60s culturally influenced conclusion that homosexual men are inherently dangerous to young boys, the film has been noted for its unusual perception of police procedure: one boy is taken to a hotel, presumably to be molested, and later reports the crime. The perpetrator is arrested; the victim is put on probation. This could be seen as an instance of victim blaming.
Another incautious, unsuspecting boy is killed one night, "having traded his life for a newspaper headline".
A third has a narrow escape, having realized he was being tailed by a man (played by Davis himself) who was in the beachside changing room where he and his young friends had been earlier. The film has other odd moments, presumably the result of its shoestring budget of $1,000 - a minuscule sum for a short film, even in 1961. Most notably, a homosexual drives to what looks like a lovers lane in the same car the detective uses.
Davis was friendly with the police in Southern California and would accept their suggestions of topics to make films about, allowing them to guide the films' message and development. Playwright Max Sparber's play The Older Gentleman, set in rural Nebraska in the early '60s, includes a scene in which college students are shown Boys Beware in class.
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BOYS BEWARE SID DAVIS (1962) 11 MIN USA CLICK PLAY TO WATCH OR DOWNLOAD TO SAVE 291.4 MB
