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My Son Is a Criminal 1939

60 min📅 1939-02-22

"A Cop's Son Pays The Price Of Crime!"

In *My Son Is a Criminal* (1939), directed by Charles C. Coleman, a shattered dream plays out as a former police chief watches his son abandon a path of honor for the allure of crime. Tim Halloran Jr.

Director: Charles C. Coleman

Cast

Alan Baxter
Alan Baxter
Tim Halloran Jr.
Julie Bishop
Julie Bishop
Myrna Kingsley (as Jacqueline Wells)
Gordon Oliver
Gordon Oliver
Allen Coltrin
Willard Robertson
Willard Robertson
Tom Halloran Sr.
Joe King
Joe King
Jerry Kingsley
Eddie Laughton
Eddie Laughton
Walt Fraser
John Tyrrell
John Tyrrell
Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is My Son Is a Criminal (1939) about?

This 1939 crime drama follows Tim Halloran Jr., the son of a former police chief, who turns to a life of crime despite his family's legacy of service. As his choices unravel, the film explores themes of loyalty, regret, and the personal toll of breaking the law.

Who directed My Son Is a Criminal?

Charles C. Coleman directed *My Son Is a Criminal* (1939), bringing a tight, dramatic focus to the family's moral crisis.

Who stars in My Son Is a Criminal?

The film features Alan Baxter as Tim Halloran Jr., Julie Bishop as his love interest, Gordon Oliver in a pivotal supporting role, and Willard Robertson as the heartbroken police chief.

Is My Son Is a Criminal (1939) worth watching?

Though unrated on IMDb, its tight runtime and dramatic intensity make it a solid pick for fans of classic crime films. The moral conflict and strong performances elevate it beyond typical genre fare, offering a poignant snapshot of 1930s storytelling.

How long is My Son Is a Criminal?

The film runs for 60 minutes, delivering a concentrated dose of drama in a brisk runtime.

About My Son Is a Criminal (1939) — A Father's Heartbreak Over His Son's Criminal Path

In *My Son Is a Criminal* (1939), directed by Charles C. Coleman, a shattered dream plays out as a former police chief watches his son abandon a path of honor for the allure of crime. Tim Halloran Jr. (Alan Baxter), raised with the expectation of following in his father's law-enforcement footsteps, instead succumbs to temptation, forcing the family to confront the consequences of his choices. This gripping crime drama blends moral reckoning with small-town tension, painting a stark portrait of loyalty and betrayal. The film's lean 60-minute runtime keeps the atmosphere tense, as each decision pulls young Halloran deeper into a world of shadows where redemption feels increasingly distant.

Gordon Oliver and Julie Bishop add compelling layers to the narrative as allies and foes, while Willard Robertson delivers a heartbreaking performance as the disillusioned police chief. With its sharp focus on family fractures and the cost of ambition gone wrong, *My Son Is a Criminal* captures the raw human drama beneath the genre's usual thrills. A forgotten gem of 1930s crime cinema, it lingers as a cautionary tale about the fractures in both law and legacy.