Peck's Bad Boy (DVD)

Bill Peck is all boy and although mischievous, is a good kid. His single-father, Henry, glows with pride when young Bill is awarded first prize for his composition, "My Dad." Trouble brews when Henry invites destitute sister-in-law Lily and her obnoxious son, Horace, to come live with them. As "Aunt Lily" worms her way into his dad's good graces, Bill sees that she is doing her best to take over control of the household. The contemptible Horace breaks Bill's heart when he reveals the family secret - that Henry adopted him from an orphan asylum. Feeling unloved, and unwanted, Billy packs his things and runs away from home. Long-time family handyman, Duffy, must intervene to try to prevent Bill from throwing his life away.

Child-actor Jackie Cooper began his career with the silent Our Gang comedies and made the switch to sound with great success. His first starring role in Skippy (1931) got him an Oscar nomination. His move to MGM in the 30s brought memorable roles in such films as The Champ (1931) and Treasure Island (1934). He successfully switched gears in adulthood to the small screen where he starred in the 50s and 60s in shows such as "The People's Choice" and "Hennesey." Cooper is also an Emmy-Award winning TV director for his work on such series as "M*A*S*H" and "The Rockford Files."

• drama