BOWERY BLITZKREIG (Monogram Pictures, 1941), directed by Wallace Fox, marks the sixth installment to the "East Side Kids" comedy/dramas produced from 1940 to 1945. While the original screenplay is credited to Sam Robins, the story in itself is hardly original but one of several to depict two good friends, Muggs and Danny, pitted against each other and going in different directions. Regardless of how they feel for one other, the remain loyal when situations occur to have them realize what good friendship is all about.
As much as this low-budget series is not consistent from one movie to the next, Bobby Jordan returns as Danny, with new last last being Breslin, as opposed to previous installments as Danny Dolan, Danny Graham and Danny Jackson. Why the writers couldn't keep his surname the same remains a mystery. This time Danny has a sister, played by brunette Charlotte Henry, better known for her blondish portrayals a decade earlier in such classics as ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Paramount, 1933) and as Bo-Peep in BABES IN TOYLAND (Hal Roach/MGM, 1934), opposite Laurel and Hardy, now nearing the end of her movie career. Aside from the usual East Side Kids support by Donald Haines (Skinny); Sunshine Sammy Morrison (Scruno); and David Gorcey (Pee-Wee); this installment introduces Huntz Hall to the series playing Limpy, whose character name would soon change and remain in future installments as Glimpy.
As for the plot summary, which opens with a sky view of New York City and other neighboring areas, the story readily begins with Danny Breslin (Bobby Jordan), with intentions on going to college to become a lawyer, training for an amateur boxing tournament sponsored by the police department. Though he has great possibilities in becoming a good citizen, according to Tom Brady (Warren Hull), a police officer engaged to his sister, Mary (Charlotte Henry), Danny happens to be involved with "Monk" Martin (Bobby Stone), a petty crook, who, through his lies, turns Danny against his good pal, Muggs Maginnis (Leo Gorcey), leader of the East Side Kids. After Muggs is released from Whitney Reform School to the custody of Tom Brady, he comes to live with him and his mother, Mrs. Brady (Martha Wentwood). Because Danny is no longer in the boxing tournament, Brady gets Muggs to train for the police athletic club with a boxing match to be held at the Manhattan Arena. During the course of the story, Danny and Muggs grow further apart, with Danny and Monk now involved in a series of neighborhood robberies, while Muggs finds himself being bribed to throw the upcoming fight by Slats Morrison (Eddie Foster), working for mob boss, Dorgan (Dennis Moore). Other cast members include Keye Luke (Clancy, a poolhall proprietor); Jack Mulhall (Officer Sherrill); Minerva Urecal (The Reform School Official); Jeff Corey (Doctor Nick Sterling); and Pat Costello, brother of comedian Lou Costello, as a boxing trainer, doing a comedy bit with Huntz Hall.
BOWERY BLITZKREIG is standard "East Side Kids" formula, with Leo Gorcey getting most of the attention with his headstrong personality, with the other members of the gang as background material. Though Huntz Hall isn't as much as the goofy character he would later become, he gets some moments to shine as does Sammy Morrison, the only black member of the East Side Kids, through his ad-libs. Clocked at 62 minutes, pace is good while editing portions are below average.
Available on home video and later DVD format, BOWERY BLITZKREIG did have some cable television broadcasts over the years as USA Channel (around 1991) and Turner Classic Movies (TCM premiere: April 12, 2004). The boxing formula with Muggs against Danny theme would be repeated again, notably KID DYMANTE (1943), actually a better film. Next installment: SPOOKS RUN WILD (1941), better known mostly for its presence of horror film actor, Bela Lugosi. (** golden gloves)
