Crime School

A junk dealer offers the Dead End Kids only $5 for their goods, instead of the $20 they expect. Spike erupts in rage and bludgeons him unconscious, setting off a chain of consequences. The ensuing violence leads to the kids' arrest and formal charges.

The kids are brought to trial for the assault, and the judge refuses to identify the actual attacker. As a result, all of them are sentenced to reform school. The verdict marks the first major shift from street hustling to institutional punishment.

Upon arrival at the reformatory, the harsh warden Morgan imposes strict discipline on the boys. Frankie is flogged after a failed escape attempt, illustrating the brutal regime. The scene establishes the environment the boys must endure.

Mark Braden, the reformatories' superintendent, arrives and begins to clean house. He fires the doctor, Morgan, and four ex-convict guards, signaling a major turn in the school's governance. He retains Cooper as head guard, signaling a new balance of power.

Braden takes control of the reform school and wins over the boys with considerate treatment. His approach contrasts with the prior cruelty, earning their reluctant cooperation. The atmosphere shifts from punishment to a chance at reform.

Meanwhile, Braden begins a romance with Sue Warren, Frankie’s sister. The relationship adds a personal dimension to his authority and affects the dynamics at the reform school. The romantic subplot intertwines with the reform effort.

Cooper fears Braden will uncover embezzlement in the food budget, and he begins a blackmail scheme. He manipulates Spike into telling Frankie that Braden’s leniency is due to Sue's acceptance of him, twisting the truth to sow distrust. The plan aims to destabilize Braden’s reform efforts.

The kids escape from the reform school in Cooper's car with his gun and head to Sue's apartment. Frankie climbs the fire escape to confront Braden, but Sue and Braden privately dispel Frankie's suspicions. The attempted confrontation ends without Braden being compromised.

Morgan calls the press to discredit Braden and pressure for his removal. The media siege adds public pressure on the reform program. Braden remains steadfast as allegations swirl.

Braden drives the boys back to the reform school and ensures they are settled in their beds before the inspectors arrive. He averts a potential scandal by demonstrating control and care. The timely return foils Morgan’s scheme.

The Commissioner arrives for inspection with the police, exposing the fraud and cruelty. Morgan and Cooper are arrested as their crimes come to light. The reform program’s leadership is vindicated in the eyes of the authorities.

With the case settled, the boys are paroled into the care of their parents. The film closes on a tempered note of reform and rebuilt trust. The characters resume their lives with a chance at a better future.