The Kid from Brooklyn

The Kid from Brooklyn is a delightful and heartwarming 1946 comedy-musical starring Danny Kaye, Virginia Mayo, and Vera-Ellen. Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, the film is a remake of the 1936 movie, The Milky Way, featuring Harold Lloyd, presenting audiences with a comedy-drama filled with song and dance routines in Kaye's unique style.

Kaye portrays a character named Burleigh Sullivan, a mild-mannered, slightly bumbling milkman from Brooklyn. Born to play the underdog, Kaye's Sullivan is an innocent but likable character, fitting perfectly within the comedic narrative of the movie. The film begins with Burleigh vying for his job security amidst stiff competition from the large, impersonal milk conglomerates.

One-night fortune, or rather misfortune, strikes when he innocently becomes embroiled in a street brawl involving boxing champion Speed McFarlane, brilliantly portrayed by Steve Cochran. However, the ensuing chaos results in the press mistakenly hailing the mild-mannered milkman as a knockout artist, leading him down an unexpected path as a professional boxer.

Virginia Mayo plays the intriguing role of Polly Pringle, Speed's spunky girlfriend who isn't taken in by Sullivan's accidental fame. Mayo shines as the seemingly hard-nosed girl who reveals a complex nature beneath the surface as the story unravels. Vera-Ellen, meanwhile, delivers a stellar performance as Burleigh's loyal and unwaveringly supportive sister, Susie Sullivan. The character's distinctive personalities provide a delightful balance to the overall comedic narrative.

The rest of the movie revolves around Burleigh being used as a promotional gimmick in a series of fixed boxing matches set up by Speed McFarlane's unscrupulous managers, played by the superb characters actors Walter Abel and Lionel Stander. Naively unaware that the fights are staged, Sullivan takes on a journey from timid milkman to an accidental boxing sensation, becoming the ‘kid’ from Brooklyn with unrivaled popularity.

The comedic brilliance of Danny Kaye is front and center throughout the film, through clever banter, elaborate comedic sequences, and situational humor that leaves audiences in stitches. His transition from a simple milkman to an unlikely boxing hero makes for an engaging plotline, sizzling with humor, and peppered with drama.

There's also a distinct musical and dance component to The Kid from Brooklyn. Famed for his signature song-and-dance comedy style, Kaye delivers entertaining musical numbers, such as "Pavlova" and "Milkman Keep Those Bottles Quiet". Moreover, Virginia Mayo's character as nightclub singer Polly Pringle and Vera-Ellen's dancer Susie Sullivan provide the opportunity for fantastic song and dance routines that highlight Kaye's versatile talent and add an electrifying touch to the film.

In addition to its comedic and musical elements, the film also carries a strong message about remaining true to oneself and the importance of integrity over quick fame and artificial success. Sullivan's encounters with the manipulative boxing industry represent an underdog's struggle against exploitation which resonates profoundly with audiences.

The Kid from Brooklyn showcases the comedic genius of Danny Kaye, making this movie a pure joy to watch. The film celebrates the merging of comedy, boxing, song, and dance. The result is an entertaining spectacle that offers ample laughter amidst the charm of fanciful duets and dance sequences, proving without a doubt why Kaye was one of the top entertainers of his time.

The outstanding performances by an ensemble cast, especially the stellar chemistry between Kaye, Mayo, and Vera-Ellen, contribute to the movie's immense charm. Genuine comedic moments, mixed with the dazzling musical numbers, merge seamlessly to create an entertaining and enjoyable viewing experience for the whole family. The Kid from Brooklyn is indeed a classic piece of Hollywood entertainment from the 1940s, a testament to the unique skills of a highly talented cast portraying a well-written and brilliantly directed story.