Let No Man Write My Epitaph [1960] [DVD]

Adapted from the novel by Willard Motley, this sturdy social drama is the sequel to the same author's Knock on Any Door, filmed by Nicholas Ray in 1949. Set in Chicago's deprived South Side, it stars teenage idol James Darren struggling to better himself, but getting involved with gangsters.

British-born director Philip Leacock, whose Hollywood movies tackled strong themes, got powerful performances from Burl Ives as a judge, and Shelley Winters as Darren's drug-addicted mother. Jean Seberg makes a brief appearance, and Ella Fitzgerald not only gets to sing, but also does a spot of acting.