Dick Powell's Four Star Productions produced this film for Cavalcade of America. Young Johnny Crawford before he became Mark McCain on The Rifleman stars in this film about a young kid who accidentally kills another boy.
Crawford's bad luck that the kid he killed was the son of the local newspaper editor who goes on a vendetta against Crawford who is all of about 8 years old. More bad luck that when he was way younger Crawford was responsible for the death of another youngster when he was playing with matches. Still even more bad luck in that Crawford's father James Nolan is a notorious gambler with low associates. All a crusading newspaper and its editor needs.
When Nolan goes to jail Crawford becomes the Boy Nobody Wanted. However a very persistent social worker Virginia Gregg and a middle aged couple Roy Barcroft and Jean Inness take Johnny in. As Crawford grows up to be Ron Hagerthy of course it all works out.
These are allegedly true stories and this teleplay shows how unresolved grief can really twist a soul.