AllMovie

14-year-old boys are far more sophisticated now than they were during the 1910s and 1920s, so this picture, based on the Booth Tarkington stories, may sound a bit puerile. The moviegoers of its day, however, were able to relate back to their own childhoods, especially with the capable direction of Marhsall Neilan and the charm of young Wesley Barry as the title character. Penrod is a typical boy (at least for the 1920s) who likes to read Wild West stories and play with his friends. Along with his pals, he organizes the "American Boy's Protective Society," which wins the derision of the townsfolk. But when the boys capture a band of notorious robbers, they become local heroes. Penrod also wins pretty little Clara Horton (who, at 19, wasn't quite "little" enough for the part) from his rival. Included in the stellar cast is the exceptionally talented youngster, Frederick "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison, who was borrowed from the Hal Roach Studios especially for this film.