FOLLOW THE LEADER (Monogram, 1944), directed by William Beaudine, reverts back to early "East Side Kids" formula of having more drama than comedy, with dose of heavy sentiment included. For this 17th edition, Leo Gorcey and Huntz Hall team up, with plot summary more on Gorcey's character. Joan Marsh, who appeared in MR. MUGGS STEPS OUT (1943) returns to the series, this time as Mugs' sister. In earlier entries, there was no indication of Mugs ever having a sister, let along any relatives. He did later acquire a beloved mother who affectionately calls him "Ethelbert." Mary Gordon has that honor here as she did in MILLION DOLLAR KID (1944). As much as Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Gabriel Dell and Billy Benedict get opening credit as "The East Side Kids," only Gorcey and Hall have that distinction while Dell and Benedict play different character roles, something quite common in a series with no consistencies from one movie to another.
The story opens with "Mugs" Maginnis (Leo Gorcey) and "Glimpy" Freedhoff (Huntz Hall) in the Army. Because he memorized the eye chart over a revised one, Mugs, who loves military life, is discharged from active duty. Accompanied by Glimpy on furlough, Mugs returns home to the Bowery and to the old gang where he left Danny (David Durand) in charge of both club and the treasury. It is learned that Danny is in jail and that the club has a new member, "Spider" O'Brien (Billy Benedict), from Brooklyn. Mugs not only takes an immediate dislike towards Spider but suspects him to be connected with a series of warehouse robberies for which Danny is accused. Mugs also has a strong dislike towards W. W. "Fingers" Belmont (Gabriel Dell), a former member of the East Side Kids now a big shot working under Larry (Jack LaRue), proprietor of the Club Maxie, where Mugs' sister, Milly (Joan Marsh) works as a cigarette girl. After Fingers overhears Spider reveal his connection to the robberies to Mugs, he and his partner, Slug, beat Spider to death, leaving his body inside the club. Fearing of being accused, Mugs takes it upon himself to learn the identity of the ringleader by acquiring Spider's old job and clear Danny's name.
Featuring East Side Kids support by Bobby Stone ("Speed"); Buddy Gorman ("Skinny" Bogerty); and Jimmy Strand (Dave); with Bryant Washburn (The Colonel); and J. Farrell MacDonald (Officer Clancy) in support. Look quickly for former East Side Kid member "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison seen uncredited in his former role of Scruno during Glimpy's dream set on an isle surrounded by hula girls. Gene Austin with the Sherrill Sisters appear as night club performers singing "Now and Then," and "All I Want to Do is Play the Drum." With this being nearly a Mugs movie where he's the sole character, Leo's father, Bernard Gorcey has an amusing bit playing Mr. Ginsberg, delicatessen owner.
Reportedly done in six days, this being typical Monogram procedure by getting things done quickly and cheaply. Even that one scene involving Mugs and Glimpy in the Army are obviously done with rear projection screen. Script repeats itself from earlier segments leading to a typical finish. The Danny character now played by David Durand is obviously a continuation to Bobby Jordan's Danny, right down to the striped shirt used from earlier editions. With Mugs still being the leader to follow, he gets to perform against type in a tearful moment when being dismissed from the Army for his poor eyesight. Regardless of pros and cons, FOLLOW THE LEADER is average yet agreeable material all told in 64 minutes. Available on DVD. (**) Next edition: BLOCK BUSTERS (1944).
