This is such a find and succeeds so far beyond any reasonable expectations one might bring to it, I'm tempted to rate it a "10."
The only flaw, to my mind, was including Leo Gorcey in the cast of juveniles; but he is relatively toned down.
Gene Reynolds was a most appealing actor playing in this age range. Here, we see him looking a little plump (especially in the derriere); but he was handsome and a fine actor. Too bad his career as a star didn't continue into adulthood. (He made a big name for himself behind the scenes, but that was a loss, because here and in such movies as "The Get-Away" he was an excellent actor.)
The plot involves two friends, one of whose father is put in jail for a murder he didn't commit. The other's father is a newspaper man who printed the story.
These two and their pals do some good sleuthing and come up with a suspect. To smoke him out, they put on a play, a la the play within the play in "Hamlet," which they feel will make him confess.
It's all suspenseful, exciting, and fun.
