King of the Newsboys

King of the Newsboys from 1938 is a classic yet underrated film that brings the viewer back to the black and white era of filmmaking. This richly engaging narrative revolves around character development and raw grit, presenting a vivid, realistic portrait of the times within an intriguing storyline. Directed by Bernard Vorhaus, King of the Newsboys introduces us to the dynamic character of Jerry Flynn, played by Lew Ayres, who effortlessly captures the spirit of an ambitious young New Yorker trying to make it big in the world.

Jerry Flynn starts off as a quintessential newsboy, surviving the harsh realities of the Great Depression. When life throws him a difficult curveball, he is unable to sell his newspaper stocks, leading to a downward spiral of financial adversity. Despite the hardships and despair, Flynn is a character defined by resilience and tenacity. Ayres' mesmerizing performance makes audiences deeply empathize with Flynn's struggle. His dream is not the glitz and glamour of high society but the promise of a stable, self-sufficient life - a quintessential American Dream of the 1930s.

In the hope of better prospects, Flynn takes a calculated risk. He musters his courage, harnesses his willpower and decides to start his own newspaper, navigating uncharted terrains and rising above the pitfall of his previous failure. With this new venture, Flynn is not just a newsboy anymore - he takes the title of the film and basks in the glory of becoming the 'King of the Newsboys'. Much of the film's narrative revolves around digging into the realities of this endeavor, with a touch of comedy and satire thrown in, depicting the business world as ruthlessly competitive yet comically absurd.

The charisma of our protagonist Flynn shines through, even more, when he starts to interact with others - most notably, the female lead Nora. Essentially, Nora, portrayed by Helen Mack, is introduced as an orphan. Her character brings gentleness and charm to the hard-knock life narrative. The chemistry between Ayres' Jerry Flynn and Mack's Nora is palpable and intriguing. Their relationship provides a stark contrast to Flynn's rough and resilient public persona, peeling back layers of his character and bringing a sensitive touch to the storyline.

Secondary characters such as Patsy, played by Alison Skipworth, add further depth and spirit to the narrative. Patsy is a kind and caring woman who gives Nora and Jerry a place to stay when they have nowhere else to go. She serves as a somewhat parental figure to the duo, adding a warmth and emotional depth to interactions that offset the harsh realities portrayed throughout the film.

Aesthetically, the film is visually appealing in the black and white cinematography, reminiscent of the period, accentuating the minimal yet effective props and settings. The movie is shot against the backdrop of urban New York City, capturing the city's hustle and bustle, as well as its trials, tribulations, and resilience.

The overall narrative of King of the Newsboys is one of perseverance against adversity. It's a story of pushing through when the odds seemed stacked against you and coming out victorious on the other side. It takes you on a wild roller-coaster ride filled with unexpected turns that keeps you engaged, making it a delightful cinema viewing experience.

The striking performances of the cast, especially that of Ayres and Mack, paired with a well-crafted storyline and poignant social commentary, make King of the Newsboys worth a watch despite the passage of decades. It’s much more than a vintage black-and-white film from the ‘30s. It's a testament to human spirit, ambition, and love in the face of adversity, making King of the Newsboys an enduring classic.

In a nutshell, the 1938 movie King of the Newsboys is a true depiction of a slice of life from a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of the timeless themes of resilience, ambition, dreams, and love against the backdrop of a city that refuses to be knocked down, capturing the very essence of the human spirit.