There's obvious exploitation and very subtle exploitation, and this is the later, your typical 30's depression pre-code drama that every major star did a few of until the Hays code went haywire. Jean Lacy may not be Blondell, Rogers, Dvorak, Twelvetrees or Muir (all actresses associated with pre-code troubled young women dramas), but she's sincere in this D grade drama (one with an excellent print available) about an innocent young woman who finds out the hard way the evils of scandalous society. Left alone when the father of the child she gives up is killed, she gets into the harsh world of the party girl complete with pimp, madam and supposed society hostess setting up "entertainment" for her clients in a swell mansion. She's blackmailed into prostitution which ultimately leads to her put on trial for murder!

The blame for her scandalous life is put on her overly religious mother who objects to her liberal school education meant to warn young people about the possible hardships of an unclean life. The mother spends the first five minutes of the film spouting her judgments and then disappears, not seen outside of being at the trial. She's a pretty minor character to be mentioned in the title, so I think another one should have been used. The film itself is one of the better exploitation films that I've ever seen, certainly no "Maniac" or "Reefer Madness". The budget seems a lot higher than it most likely was, and the script is pretty no nonsense with the acting and direction first rate. The sets and costumes are similar to what would have been done as a B at the major studios, and for that, I find this a top notch drama even though it's covered in as much sin as it is sequins and "sauce".

"Guilty Parents" is a terrible exploitation film that leaves viewers laughing....and a bit confused. I think most of it is because the filmmakers are warning against things they really know nothing about...such as sex!

When the story begins, Helen is on trial for murder. Her lawyer is doing his summation and essentially blames Helen's problems on her prudish mother. What follows is a lengthy flashback that follows the gullible Helen from an innocent to a hard drinkin' woman to a floozy to a murderer! And, in the end, she receives the penalty she so richly deserves...DEATH!!!!!

"Guilty Parents" is terrible for many reasons. The worst is that it's filled with misinformation. I thought it bizarre and funny that Betty was molested by some man...and only two days later was dead!!! But from WHAT??? I think they were implying she got a back alley abortion...but after two day?!?!? Huh?!?! Lots of other confusing stuff in this one as well...along with some over the top acting and lousy direction. Overall, a confusing mess of a message that is more unintentionally hilarious than anything else.