Children of Mars

• Watchlist

This deals with the problem of children left to shift for themselves while parents are busy at essential war jobs. The camera singles out one such war worker family, the O'Briens. Young Jimmy, convinced that his clubhouse needs furnishings, turns to looting homes. In need of food for the club, the youngsters turn to stealing from groceries. They then take to bullying other youngsters. Jimmy is hailed into court. From there on, a proper agency takes hold of the temporarily homeless children. Helen inadequately taking care of Frank, the youngest, and who had been putting on grown-up airs, even to taking a job as a roadside waitress in the evenings and letting strange men take her home, becomes a Jr. Hospital Aide, and finds the proper spot for her growing emotions in a teen-age club room with music, dancing, etc. Frank is placed in a nursery, with competent teachers, medical care, a playground, etc. Jimmy joins the Boy Scouts, and becomes a shining example. Mother and dad can now turn out war materials much faster with easier minds.