ST. JAMES THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 89, 12 October 1938, Page 5

ST. JAMES THEATRE.

"Little Tough Guy."

Vividly revealing the life, laughter, and tragedy which, throbs in the hearts of young people of the streets of a big city, Universal's gripping story of modern, youth, -"Little. Tough Guy," commences on Friday at the St. James Theatre, featuring the "Dead • End" kids with Helen .Parrish, Robert Wilcox, Jackie Searl, and Marjorie Main. Sweeping in its scope, and filled with stirring emotional moments, the picture is a compelling human document. Billy- Halop, who captured wide favour in "Dead End" and again in "Crime School," again delivers a dramatic portrayal- that rivals the best efforts •of skilled adult performers. Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell, Bernard Punsley,, and the other "Dead End" boys are equally outstanding with their pungent brand of acting. The sister role is played by Helen Parrish, who scored as the "meariie" with Deanna Durbln in "Mad About Music." As the girl who struggles bravely to save her brother from .the sordid influence of the gang of young street hoodlums, she is splendid. Marjorie Main does, her usual fine work as the mother, and Robert Wilcox is excellent as Helen's sweetheart and friend. When Jim Boylan is sent to prison for murder, his family is left without funds.. The mother, son, and daughter are forced to live in a poor tenement district. Helen gets a job in the chorus of a burlesque show to help buy food. Billy goes to work selling newspapers. The drama develops from the effect of their environment upon the young boy arid girl. The girl is discouraged and defeated. The boy, embittered by his father's imprisonment, becomes the leader of a rough gang of aplley hoodlums. Jackie Searl gives realism to his role of the spoiled "rich kid" who joins the mob just "for the thrill."