Newsies (1992)

Director:

Kenny Ortega

Writers (WGA):

Bob Tzudiker (written by) &
Noni White (written by)

Release Date:

10 April 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family | Musical

Tagline:

A Thousand Voices. A Single Dream.

Plot:

July, 1899: When Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst raise the distribution price one-tenth of a cent per paper...

Plot Keywords:

Newspaper | Publisher | Fight | New York City | Orphan

Awards:

1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Christian Bale	...	Jack 'Cowboy' Kelly
David Moscow	...	David Jacobs
Luke Edwards	...	Les Jacobs
Max Casella	...	Racetrack Higgins
Gabriel Damon	...	Spot Conlon
Marty Belafsky	...	Crutchy
Arvie Lowe Jr.	...	Boots
Aaron Lohr	...	Mush
Trey Parker	...	Kid Blink
Dee Caspary	...	Snitch
Joseph Conrad	...	Jake
Dominic Maldonado	...	Itey
Matthew Schoenfeld	...	Snipeshooter (as Matthew Fields)
Mark David	...	Specs
Ivan Dudynsky	...	Dutchy

Also Known As:

Newsboys
The News Boys (UK)

Runtime:

121 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Iceland:L | UK:PG | Australia:PG | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Burbank, California, USA

Company:

Touchwood Pacific Partners 1

Trivia:

The dress that Ele Keats (Sarah Jacobs) wears in the "Off to the Races" number is an authentic 1899 dress. After every take, the costumer had to constantly sew up small holes because the dress was so old and delicate.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Medda is sing "My Lovey-Dovey Baby" it show Les sitting by a man bouncing a puppet on his Leg. In the next shot, the man with the puppet sits down by Les.

Quotes:

Kloppman: Jack Kelly? Nope never heard of him. Boys?
Specs: That's an unusual name for these parts.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Mystery Science Theater 3000: Outlaw (#6.19)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

SEIZE THE DAY

Anyone can make a difference

Anyone can make a difference, if they believe in the cause … even the "Newsies." You've probably never heard of them, but in the cities, "Newsies are what sell the news." With their "expansion of the truth" these guys can sell anything. They may seem energetic and jolly, but their lives are a little different. Residents of the slums of New York, they strive just to fill their plates each day. While living in shelters, these orphans live their lives by their own rules. With no one but their newspaper distributor caring for them, they have formed their own family. But on their terms it's not all that bad. Living life with no rules … every kid's dream. But their futures are what may worry some.

This musical has everything from villains to the group hero. This typical Walt Disney Production is everything you image it would be: The same old story, an average "slum" like group and their attempt to change old ways of life. The "Newsies" are the rebels against the "Big-Guys" of the New York News Industry. Every rebel group has its leader, like the great, Susan B. Anthony, with her fight for women's rights. For the "Newsies" the handsome flirt, Jack Kelly was their Susan B. Anthony. This story isn't just on the fight for rights, it's like life...with love, laughter, and everyday problems. Also just like in life people lie, Jack Kelly lied of his future in the West. The reason for this was Realpolitik (there is no right or wrong when it comes to doing for your group/ country.) He wanted to be a strong leader for the others, but when it came down to possibly having a future Kelly, rethought his determination. In the end he got back on track and had more determination than ever before.

Ladies, if you would like to see young, handsome men dancing in "tight" newspaper guy costumes, then this is just the musical for you. But, for a 1992 production this musical has some "off the wall music", and the guys sure know how to "drop it like its hot", if you know what I mean. City slums, orphans forming their own family, a fight for change, young love and new friendships, you'll see what it would be like if you went into the real world a "little bit" early. You're never alone in the city of New York … Not even Jack Kelly! As a leader of the pack, he was never really alone. He always had his followers with him.