While I would never say that "The Rebel Set" is a good film, it isn't nearly as bad as you'd think. Some time back, the film was lampooned on "Mystery Science Theater 3000"--and because of this it has a reputation as a stinker. This is obvious when you see it has a score of 2.2.--which would indicate it is a 100% terrible film. But, unfortunately, it's not terrible and this rating seems unnecessarily harsh.
The film begins in a beatnik hangout run by a bearded Edward Platt ('Chief' from "Get Smart"). However, his appearing like an old beatnik is a disguise--he's really interested in masterminding a robbery. Using his business, he's learned which patrons are desperate and in need of money--and he approaches them to help him with his caper. Later, aboard a train, the film heats up, as Platt turns out to be a lot nastier than anyone in the gang anticipated. What exactly he does and how the film ends is something I'll leave up to you--it is mildly interesting.
The first half of the film is amazingly dull for a caper film. In fact, being on "MST 3000" you'd think the film was laughably bad, but it's only very slow and a bit amateurish. Fortunately, the second half is a lot better and I actually loved the final showdown. Not at all great but passable entertainment.
