This is a less pretentious "Rebel Without a Cause". It is lighter, more pleasant and digestible. Coughlin shines, and he also wrote the charming title song, sung by the sadly forgotten Arthur Prysock. It is highly ironic, that whereas Dreyfuss was a bit player and Coughlin the lead, five years later, the roles were reversed on the memorable Gunsmoke episode "This Golden Land" where Coughlin plays a bit part and Dreyfuss gets a chance to shine. This film is preachy, but in a respectful and loving manner. And it has an artistic dimension.
Review of The Young Runaways
