The film is also known under the titles of Lola's Mistake (American reissue title), The Black Rebels (American alternative title) and Three Shades of Love (American reissue title).
Plot
The film tells the story of two policemen who go undercover to defeat narcotics trafficking among high school gangs. The film features stark scenes of violence between inter-racial gangs.
The film was initially released to theaters on May 4, 1960, under the title This Rebel Breed.[1] Producer William Rowland chose to re-release the film five years later after inserting scenes of nudity under the titles Lola's Mistake, The Black Rebels, and Three Shades of Love.[2]
Reception
The New York Times reviewed the film, writing that "Advertised as an unvarnished story of race prejudice and discrimination among teen-agers, "This Rebel Breed" substitutes action for insight but maintains enough excitement to place it a cut or two above the usual sensationalized products of the genre."[3]TV Guide gave This Rebel Breed one star, stating that it "takes a disturbingly naive approach to its subject matter: pushers peddle their wares to six-year-olds, and Damon is obviously wearing makeup so the audience will know he is part black."[4]AllMovie was similarly critical.[2]
James V. D'arc has noted that the film was panned by Variety upon its initial release for what they saw as explicit scenes of violence and racism.[5]
