THE DANGEROUS STRANGER

Year Published: 1972

Description: Produced by Sid Davis Productions, this public awareness video from 1972 titled “The Dangerous Stranger” tells the story of different children who are kidnapped under various circumstances. The film uses the character of a friendly policeman as narrator, explaining to neighborhood kids what to never, ever do: don’t speak to or consort with unfamiliar adults. Sidney Davis of Sid Davis Productions was an American director and producer who specialized in social guidance films. One of his more successful titles included “The Dangerous Stranger” which he originally completed in 1950. This 1972 color version of the film is a remake of the successful 1950s film with the same name. The plot was left untouched for the remake with the only difference being giving the non-professional child actors a more contemporary look. Additionally, the 1972 version was produced with the cooperation of the Inglewood Unified School District and the Inglewood Police Department. School children sit in a circle outside their school while their teacher introduces them to a police officer (0:30). Police officer begins speaking to the kids about stranger danger (0:40). Camera pans kids’ faces (0:52). Reenactment of the story of a girl named Debbie Benson who was kidnapped, begins with her sitting on the sidewalk playing with a doll (1:14). News presenting discussing Debbie Benson’s case (1:37). Narrator highlighting scenarios that can lead to trouble and danger - two young boys play in a secluded parking lot and get approached by a stranger (2:11). Young girl walking into a movie theater alone and gets approached by a stranger (2:45). Young girl plays at playground when a stranger offers her candy (3:59). Man lurks in front of a junior high school and lures a girl into his car (4:53). Young man and friends hitchhike in a white four-door Sedan which leads to trouble (5:29). Boys get attention of Inglewood Police Officers and try to help their friend (6:53). Police chase ensues (7:09). Return to scene of school children sitting with police officer (8:20). Montage of previously shown clips of kidnapping scenarios while voice over reviews important takeaways and lessons (8:26-9:12). Return to scene of school children sitting with police officer (9:13).