Bunch of Boys at Barnado's

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 28, 23 December 1938, Page 14

Bunch of Boys at Barnado's

("The Boy from Barnado’s.?’ M.G.M. Directed by Sam Wood. Starring Freddie Bartholomew and Mickey Rooney. Early release.] HEY make first-rate British pictures in America! MetroGoldwyn:Mayer have proved this before, and’ prove it again with ‘‘Boy from Barnado’s,’’ a film which, while primarily all-

round entertainment with no blat‘ant propaganda, is, nevertheless, a fine tribute to a great institution. There’s plenty of solid British tradition here, and the nautical atmosphere of Dr. Barnado’s institution is most realistic. The cast includes several youngsters you'll know-notably Freddie Bartholomew and Mickey Rooney-plus a new child find in Terry Milburn, a small Lancashire lad with a very ‘ pleasant personality. Among the grown-ups you'll’ recognise Herbert Mundin and Charles Coburn. It is pleasant to see young Mr. Bartholomew exhibiting some natural villainy for onee. He starts off as a juvenile thief (with. polished manners, but 2 particularly. vicious temperament) who is taken off the streets and committed to. the care of Dr. Barnado’s Homes. Transferred to. the Naval Training School, he makes up his mind at the outset to rebel against authority, but is soon worn down. A Good Sport Nor yery surprising to. relate, young Mr. Bartholomew proves as good a sport as any of the lads,

and eventually he and Mr. Rooney land coveted: jobs on the Queen Mary. Freddie Bartholomew has been away "rom the sereen for over a year, and seems to have benefited considerably. It may or may not be due to the maturing effect of the trouble Le has aad with Aunt Cissie. At any rate, he has emerged, thank Heaven, from effeminacy to a healthy, natural poy. Mickey Rooney gives another fine performance-more restrained this time, and all the better for it. Altogether a wholesome, invigorating story, and although the jingoistic glorification of British institu_tions and traditions usually makes me squirm, this was one occasion I didn’t feel the least bit lke squirming,