Stranger Danger!

A few weeks ago, the Echo Park Film Center hosted "Gems from the Archives" with local film collector Russell Harden. We weren't able to make the show, but we did hear that Harnden screened The Dangerous Stranger, a short 1950 "educational" film that warns kids about the consequences of talking to strangers.

It was made by director-producer Sid Davis, who made a career about educating young people about the dangers of drugs, strangers, homosexuals. He had the cooperation of the LAPD when creating the above gem.

We have an affinity for these old industrial films because they capture the paranoia of America's past -- plus they're funny as hell. (Think Reefer Madness and you get the picture.)

So if there's anything to be learned from this film it's that being a wise guy, dodo or a dumb bunny will only lead you trouble with ... da da da ... the dangerous stranger.