"14 and Under" marked a significant milestone in Ronny Howard's career, showcasing his talent and versatility as a young actor. Howard's performance in the film caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to future roles in films like "The Towering Inferno" (1974) and "Happy Mother's Day" (1977). His success in "14 and Under" ultimately paved the way for his iconic roles in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Star Trek," cementing his status as a Hollywood legend.
The story follows a family of 14 children, though it focuses on the eldest, Reg (played with fierce authenticity by Jack Wild, fresh off Oliver! ). After the death of their father, the family teeters on the edge of destitution. Their mother (Liz Edmiston) is exhausted, struggling to keep the social workers and debt collectors at bay. 14 And Under Movie 1973
The 14 never received a major DVD release in the US and remains a cult item on bootleg VHS and obscure streaming services. Critics in 1973 were divided: some called it "exploitative," others "essential." Looking back, it’s neither. It is simply truthful . "14 and Under" marked a significant milestone in
Unlike the saccharine musicals or the cheerful "kids-on-an-adventure" films of the early 70s, Hemmings shot the movie like a documentary. The camera lingers on cracked linoleum, graffiti-scarred concrete, and the hollow eyes of teenagers who know they have no future beyond a factory floor or a young offenders' institute. The story follows a family of 14 children,
If there is interest in learning more about the history of West German cinema or the stylistic trends of the 1970s, many resources are available on the development of the "New German Cinema" movement which emerged around the same time.
Title: 14 and Under (original German title: Der Frühreifen-Report) Year: 1973 Director: Ernst Hofbauer Country: West Germany Language: German Runtime: ~87 minutes Alternative English title: Early Awakening Report