Edward L. Cahn was approaching the end of a thirty year career as a prolific director of exploitation quickies when he made this very poor man's version of 'The Window' which resembles a production by the Childrens Film Foundation; although THEY never set a story in Los Angeles. Although briefly bookended by scenes shot on authentic locations 'The Boy Who Caught a Crook' is for the most part confined to obvious process work and the street where he lives was plainly built on a soundstage.
As in the British equivalent a young lad inadvertently crosses the path of a crook and ultimately (SLIGHT SPOILER COMING:) brings about his downfall; but being American as played by a scar-faced Johnny Seven in a sharp suit he's a far more serious proposition, carries a gun and displays a considerably greater capacity for violence.
