"The Devil is a Sissy" is part of a line spoken by Jonathan Hale who plays Judge Holmes in this 1936 MGM film of that title. The judge was talking, in his private chambers, to three youths were brought in as burglary suspects. Judge Holmes, policeman Muldoon (Andrew Tombes) and the other authorities in this film portray a side of caring and concern not seen in many early movies about inner city kids and gangs. And, the gang portrayed here is between that of the Little Rascals and the Bowery Boys - not of the type of older tough and violent gangs portrayed in some gritty films as well as in "West Side Story."
Three youths are the stars of this film - all big child stars of the time. Freddie Bartholomew plays Claude Pierce who has just arrived from England to spend six months with his father. Jay Pierce is an architect and illustrator who has just moved into this working-class New York neighborhood. Claude wants to fit in with the American boys after spending the last six months living with his wealthy mother in England. The two co-stars with him are Jackie Cooper and Mickey Rooney who play Buck Murphy and Gig Stevens.
The film has some light comedy with the English-bred lad going all out to become friends and be accepted by the other kids. They are at the age when their futures might go either way, and the friendship of Claude does a lot to help Buck and Gig choose the straight and narrow. The drama also is light for that reason, but the film is certainly more drama than comedy. It has a nice touch of romance too, with Claude's dad, played by Ian Hunter, and Gig's Aunt Rose, played by Peggy Conklin.
Gene Lockhart has an unusual role, playing a mean character as Buck's dad, Mr. Murphy. Lockhart played mostly likeable, often time very good comedy roles throughout his career. Here, he is joined by wife of real life, Kathleen Lockhart, as Mrs. Murphy.
This is a good film, although one that many modern movie-goers may find too slow to enjoy, with the pace of fast, furious and frenzied films off the early 21st century. Here are a couple favorite lines, spoken by Claude's father, Jay, to the boy
Jay Pierce, "Look now, son. We don't solve our problems by running away. We stay and face 'em."
Jay Pierce, "That's a thing to remember. You never find any happiness by running away from the things you're supposed to do."
Three youths are the stars of this film - all big child stars of the time. Freddie Bartholomew plays Claude Pierce who has just arrived from England to spend six months with his father. Jay Pierce is an architect and illustrator who has just moved into this working-class New York neighborhood. Claude wants to fit in with the American boys after spending the last six months living with his wealthy mother in England. The two co-stars with him are Jackie Cooper and Mickey Rooney who play Buck Murphy and Gig Stevens.
The film has some light comedy with the English-bred lad going all out to become friends and be accepted by the other kids. They are at the age when their futures might go either way, and the friendship of Claude does a lot to help Buck and Gig choose the straight and narrow. The drama also is light for that reason, but the film is certainly more drama than comedy. It has a nice touch of romance too, with Claude's dad, played by Ian Hunter, and Gig's Aunt Rose, played by Peggy Conklin.
Gene Lockhart has an unusual role, playing a mean character as Buck's dad, Mr. Murphy. Lockhart played mostly likeable, often time very good comedy roles throughout his career. Here, he is joined by wife of real life, Kathleen Lockhart, as Mrs. Murphy.
This is a good film, although one that many modern movie-goers may find too slow to enjoy, with the pace of fast, furious and frenzied films off the early 21st century. Here are a couple favorite lines, spoken by Claude's father, Jay, to the boy
Jay Pierce, "Look now, son. We don't solve our problems by running away. We stay and face 'em."
Jay Pierce, "That's a thing to remember. You never find any happiness by running away from the things you're supposed to do."