This is an important film in that it introduced The Dead End Kids, who would later become The Eastside Kids and then The Bowery Boys. Watching these little tough guys here, it's obvious how long ago 1937 was; their mannerisms and speech was very much of its day ("awww, I'll moiduh ya, see? Nyyeahhh!") I thought there was some nice style on display here, although the sets are so obviously just that - sets - and so the film felt as stage-bound as the play it was taken from. It was a bit jarring to see the approach that these bad kids are portrayed as the ones to care about. I don't buy into the film's idea that poverty automatically creates a society of bratty and uncontrollable children. While this is undeniably true for certain kids, I don't think it's as universal as presented here. Even Humphrey Bogart, as a former hood and criminal returning to the old neighborhood, stands on the sidelines watching with glee as these mischievous punks raise hell and beat up a rich kid. Bogart is very good, and the scene with his disapproving mother (Marjorie Main) is very emotional. I think this is a narrowly "good" film that will grow for me with repeated viewings; I consider it a fine directorial job by William Wyler. Still, I think the similar ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES is the superior film, with a better payoff. *** out of ****
Review of Dead End
