FOR YEARS THEY DELIVERED THE PAPERS. NOW THEY’RE ABOUT TO MAKE THE HEADLINES.

In 1899, New York’s newsboys launch a strike against the city’s publishers, led by a 17-year-old (Christian Bale) who dreams of going west.

A musical that teaches its audience about 19th century labor laws, depicting a historically significant strike. Great enthusiasm in the portrait of the boisterous newsies; Joseph Pulitzer gets to be the bad guy.

Ambitiously staged, but Robert Duvall is over-the-top and the film lacks compelling performances among the young cast. Biggest problem though: there are no real showstoppers on the soundtrack. 

1992-U.S. 121 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Kenny Ortega. Songs: Alan Menken, Jack Feldman (”Carrying the Banner”). Cast: Christian Bale (Jack ”Cowboy” Kelly), David Moscow (David Jacobs), Bill Pullman (Bryan Denton), Gabriel Damon, Ann-Margret, Robert Duvall. 

Trivia: Later a Broadway musical.