AMUSEMENTS

Opotiki News, Volume I, Issue 116, 30 November 1938, Page 4

AMUSEMENTS

“LITTLE TOUGH GUY”

Vividly revealing the life, laughter and tragedy .which throbs in the hearts ol young people of the streets of a hig city, Universal’s' gripping story of modern youth, “Little Tough Guy,” screens Thursday and Friday at the T)e Luxe Theatre, featuring the “Dead End” kids with Helen Parrish, Robert Wilcox, Jackie Sear I ami Marjorie Alain.

'The “Dead End” kids arc a unique group ol actors, and without poors in portraying the realistic phases of vo,utli which stall through the heart.

Sweeping in its scope, and li I loci with stirring emotional moments, the picture is a compelling human document which spectators will remember lor a long time to come. Hilly Hnlop, who captured wide favour in “Dead End” ami again in “Crime School,” again delivers" a dramatic portrayal that rivals the lies! efforts «f skilled adult -.performers. Hunt/ Hall, Gabriel Doll, Bernard Punsley and 1 the other “Dead End” hoys are equally outstanding with their pungent brand of acting. The sister role is played by Helen Punish, who scored as the “meanie” with Deanna Durbin in “Mad About Music.” As the girl who struggles bravely to save her brother from tin* sordid influence ol the gang of young street, hoodlums, she is splendid. Marjorie Main dees her usual line wdrk as the mother, and Robert Wii- <•()>: js excellent as Helen’s sweetheart an ( | friend.

The story by Brenda Weisborg and Gilson Brown is vivid drama, replete with gripping situations that will luing patrons to the edges of their seats, and produce tears, suspense and laughter in turn. When Jim Boy la h. is sent to prison for murder, his family is left without hinds. The mother, son and daughter are forced to live in a poor tenement district. Helen gets a job in the chorus of a burlesque show to help buy food. Billy goes to work selling iicwspaners.

Tiif drama develops from the (‘licet, or iheir environment upon tin* young hoy and girl. The fj;irl is discouraged am!' defeated. The l>oy, eninilici ed by his lather’s imprisonment, nreomes the leader of a rough gang of a!!. \ hoodlums (the “Dead Knd” kills). .Jackie fsearl, last seen with Jackie C ooper, gives realism to his role of the spoiled “rich kid” who joins the mob just “for the thrill.” ‘\Little Tough Cuy,” was dire, ted with line understanding by Harold Voting, and expertly produced by Ken (ioldsmith. .lack Otterson’s settings lend realism to the backgrounds, and I In' photography of Kilweod UredoJ! is of his usual high excellence. “THRILL IIUNTKR” \ “Thrill Hunter” which screens with “Little Tough tiny” at the l)e Luxe Theane on Thursday and Friifay. ami features Ruck .Jones, is a thrilling out-door drama complete with action speed and exeilejm lit.