This is an early "Dead End Kids" movie - actually the second one after their impressive debut in "Dead End". Billy Halop seemed to be earmarked for juvenille stardom. In this film he went all stops out in a couple of big emotional scenes. After an impressive start and a good role as Flashman in the prestigious "Tom Brown's Schooldays", it was back to the Bowery and roles in such "memorable" films as "You're Not So Tough" (1940), "Mob Town" (1941) and "Mug Town" (1942). I agree "Little Tough Guy" was one of the better ones and they were surrounded by solid talent, including two former child actors. Helen Parrish, although often uncredited, had parts in films such as "The Big Trail" (1930), "Cimarron" (1931) and "The Public Enemy" (1931). She did better later on with parts in some Deanna Durbin films ("Mad About Music" (1938), "First Love" (1939), "It Started With Eve" (1941)). Jackie Searl, while never a top child star, was an amazing scene stealer who did team up with Mitzi Green in some funny films from the early 30s ("Skippy" (1931), "Finn and Hattie" (1931), "Newly Rich" (1931)). He actually joined the "little tough guys" for a couple of films but by the 40s his career petered out.
Johnny (Billy Halop) is head of the neighbourhood gang - but his sister Kay, (Helen Parrish) is worried about his truancy. She is the chief breadwinner of the family - her father is on strike and her mother (Marjorie Main) is worn down by defeat and drudgery. Paul (Robert Wilcox) wants to marry Kay but she feels too obligated to her family.When her father is hurt trying to help a friend on the picket line - the police come to arrest him for murder.The trial ostracises the family, Johnny loses his friends (Rita Belle (Peggy Stewart) is the only one who stands by him),Kay loses her job and the family finally lose their home.
In his new neighbourhood Johnny meets a new set of friends - "the dead end kids" - and is determined to find a job and help his dad. His first job (as a paper boy) finishes in a fight and hard won respect from the gang. Kay, meanwhile, gets a job in a burlesque show (a less likely looking burlesque performer than Kay you never saw!!). Paul visits her and is appalled at the family's deterioration.
The gang crashes an "Onward and Upward" meeting and meet Cyril (Jackie Searl, playing a character that is true to his form). He is the leagues shining star but he finds the gang is more to his liking - he wines and dines them and even shows them his palatial home. Johnny finds out that his father's appeal has been denied and goes to see the Judge. In the heat of anger he throws a rock at the Judge's car and finds himself in juvenile detention. Cyril organises a plan for Johnny to escape. He is the real brains behind the gang and falls in with them because he is bored and wants to find out what makes them tick. He encourages them to commit a string of robberies (they are very happy to oblige). When there is a division in the ranks Cyril goes to the police with his side of the story, hoping that his wealth and connections keep him out of it. Unfortunately for him the police want him too!!!
This is definitely a dramatic, even melodramatic film at times - not at all the way the series ended up, as just a laugh fest. Robert Wilcox, as Paul, the romantic partner of Kay, did seem to have a promising career in the late 30s but he is remembered more for being the husband of Diana Barrymore and the inspiration of her book "Too Much, Too Soon".
Recommended.
Johnny (Billy Halop) is head of the neighbourhood gang - but his sister Kay, (Helen Parrish) is worried about his truancy. She is the chief breadwinner of the family - her father is on strike and her mother (Marjorie Main) is worn down by defeat and drudgery. Paul (Robert Wilcox) wants to marry Kay but she feels too obligated to her family.When her father is hurt trying to help a friend on the picket line - the police come to arrest him for murder.The trial ostracises the family, Johnny loses his friends (Rita Belle (Peggy Stewart) is the only one who stands by him),Kay loses her job and the family finally lose their home.
In his new neighbourhood Johnny meets a new set of friends - "the dead end kids" - and is determined to find a job and help his dad. His first job (as a paper boy) finishes in a fight and hard won respect from the gang. Kay, meanwhile, gets a job in a burlesque show (a less likely looking burlesque performer than Kay you never saw!!). Paul visits her and is appalled at the family's deterioration.
The gang crashes an "Onward and Upward" meeting and meet Cyril (Jackie Searl, playing a character that is true to his form). He is the leagues shining star but he finds the gang is more to his liking - he wines and dines them and even shows them his palatial home. Johnny finds out that his father's appeal has been denied and goes to see the Judge. In the heat of anger he throws a rock at the Judge's car and finds himself in juvenile detention. Cyril organises a plan for Johnny to escape. He is the real brains behind the gang and falls in with them because he is bored and wants to find out what makes them tick. He encourages them to commit a string of robberies (they are very happy to oblige). When there is a division in the ranks Cyril goes to the police with his side of the story, hoping that his wealth and connections keep him out of it. Unfortunately for him the police want him too!!!
This is definitely a dramatic, even melodramatic film at times - not at all the way the series ended up, as just a laugh fest. Robert Wilcox, as Paul, the romantic partner of Kay, did seem to have a promising career in the late 30s but he is remembered more for being the husband of Diana Barrymore and the inspiration of her book "Too Much, Too Soon".
Recommended.