Jail Bait (DVD)

A security guard is shot in a botched robbery attempt, and a wounded witness is able to identify the killers. One of the gunmen, the spoiled son of a famous plastic surgeon, panics and threatens to go to the cops. His partner, a ruthless thug with nothing to lose, has other ideas, though - desperate plans that include murder and radical facial surgery.

This low budget melodrama with a shocking twist was written and directed by Edward D. Wood Jr., the celebrated creator of Plan 9 From Outer Space, cult filmdom's favorite "worst movie." All of Wood's characteristic trademarks are here - the stiff performances, the stilted dialogue, and unbelievable storyline. Added to this mix is a black-face vaudeville skit that pops up out of nowhere. Jail Bait also marks the first on-screen speaking role for young Steve Reeves who later became an international star when he appeared in sword and sandal spectacular Hercules (1958).

• drama