The Beatniks (1960)

Eddy Crane leads a small gang that robs local businesses for petty cash. One day, the gang encounters a music business executive, Harry Bayliss, whose car has broken down. When Bayliss attempts to call a tow truck, he enters the eatery where Eddy's gang is celebrating. While there, Bayliss hears Eddy singing along to the jukebox and is impressed enough to offer him an audition for his variety show. Eddy seizes the opportunity, nails his audition, and soon lands a television spot. His two-minute performance is an instant hit, with Bayliss dubbing him an 'overnight sensation' and foreseeing a successful career that could include a hit record, appearances on top shows, and even 'The Eddy Crane Show.' Amidst this sudden fame, Eddy starts pursuing Bayliss's secretary, Helen Tracy, sidelining his devoted girlfriend, Iris. However, Eddy's stardom causes rifts within his gang. Some members want to follow him into the limelight, while others wish to keep him grounded in their group. The jealousy between Iris and Helen intensifies as Eddy's affair with Helen becomes apparent. Trouble escalates when Moon, one of Eddy's gang members, commits a murder, putting Eddy at risk by association. As the police search for Moon, Eddy finds him and turns him in, breaking ties with the gang and Iris but also ruining his own chances at a singing career due to his involvement in the crimes. Cast: - Tony Travis as Eddy Crane - Joyce Terry as Helen Tracy - Peter Breck as Bob 'Moon' Mooney - Karen Kadler as Iris - Charles Delaney as Harry Bayliss - Sam Edwards as Red - Bob Wells as Chuck - Stanley Farrar as Mr. Ray Morrissey - Claude Stroud as The Hotel Manager - Bob Pacquin as The Hotel Detective - Martha Wentworth as Nadine (Iris' Mother) - Frank Worth as Gus, the bartender Runtime: 72 minutes.