Great Human Drama

Northern Advocate, 10 February 1940, Page 8

Great Human Drama

From tne histories of countless lives, from the inspiring stories of the struggles of self-made men, comes Monogram’s thrilling human drama of a boy of the streets, titled “Streets of New York,” with Jackie Cooper in the role of Jimmy Keenan, “the Abe Lincoln of 10th Avenue.” Jimmy owns a newspaper stand and supports himself and his little orphaned pal, Gimpy, without any help from “Tap” Keenan, New York’s Public Enemy No. 1, and Jimmy’s brother. Jimmy studies law at night, with Abraham Lincoln as his inspiration, and Judge Carroll, of the local night court, becomes his friend when Jimmy defends his pals on a gambling charge. The boy struggles to succeed in spite of his racketeer brother and to convince Gimpy that honesty is the best policy and valour its own reward. Judge Carroll’s Christmas party helps win Gimpy over to the idea that there is a Santa Claus, but Jimmy’s problem in his brother is not so easily solved. Thrills climax “Streets of New York” as Jimmy finds his career and Gimpy’s life threatened when “Tap” Keenan, pursued as a murderer, seeks sanctuary with his brother, who must now choose between honour and duty. The role of Jimmy is tailored for Jackie Cooper, and as the “Abe Lincoln of 10th Avenue” he gives the screen a memorable performance. And it is to 12-year-old Martin Spellman that extra acting honours must go. His portrait of Gimpy is truly one of the greatest juvenile characterisations yet to enrich the screen. Outstanding also, are the performances of George Irving as kindly Judge Carroll, Marjorie Reynolds as his niece, David Durand as “Spike Morgan,” and Robert Emmett O’Connor, the perennial cop. *

Dick Purcell plays “Tap” Keenan, the racketeer, as a swaggering, bullying braggadocio, and does an excellent job. Prominent in small parts are members of Cooper’s Swing Band— Kent Rogers, Bobby Stone, Buddy Pepper and William Tucker—and also George Cleveland, the kindly landlord who couldn’t let the “races” alone.