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In the basement of the building where he grew up on the mean "Streets of New York", teenage law student Jackie Cooper (as James "Jimmy" Michael Keenan) lives with crippled orphan Martin Spellman (as William "Gimpy" McKinley Smith). The little lad is the youngest of Mr. Cooper's newsboy troupe. Cooper runs a newsstand by day while studying law at night. The perseverant and highly ethical young man is known as "The Abe Lincoln of Ninth Avenue" (giving the film a second title).

Cooper and his newsboys must contend with tough-guy rival David Durand (as "Spike" Morgan), who breaks young Spellman's crutches and vows to take over Cooper's beat. A greater threat, ironically, is posed by Cooper's older brother Dick Purcell (as "Tap" Keenan), an elusive and successful businessman gangster who makes headlines in the newspapers Cooper sells. Big brother's criminal ways lead to heartbreak for Cooper, but happiness may be just around the corner...

The story is set during Christmas, which should hint at where events lead. It's all very programmed, but classier than you might be expecting from a low-budget "Monogram" production. A natural, Cooper gives the characterization his usual best. The scene where Cooper gives the reluctant Spellman a rough bath, after ironing in his shorts, is one highlight (the outtakes are classic). George Cleveland (as "Pop" O'Toole) is endearing as a grandfatherly neighbor with a gambling habit.

The other members of Cooper's newsy street gang are Sidney Miller (as "Jiggsy"), Buddy Pepper (as "Flatfoot"), Bobby Stone (as "Beansy"), and William Bucker (as "Sammy"). They seem to be modeled after the "Dead End" kids, and appeared in related films. It's almost impossible not to join in when the lads sing "Silent Night" after Christmas dinner with judge George Irving (as Joe Carroll) and pretty niece Marjorie Reynolds (as Anne). "Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace."

****** Streets of New York (4/12/39) William Nigh ~ Jackie Cooper, Martin Spellman, George Irving, George Cleveland